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Funeral of Pope Francis to be held on April 26 — Vatican

A number of world leaders are expected to attend the funeral

VATICAN, April 22. /TASS/. The funeral ceremony of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, the Holy See press office reported.

According to it, the ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time (8:00 a.m. GMT). A service will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica, and then the coffin with the pontiff’s body will be taken to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (the Basilica of Saint Mary Major). The Pope's coffin will remain there for the public to pay their respects to the departed pontiff, and then his body will be laid to rest.

The entire procedure was outlined in a Vatican decree, but Francis made changes during his lifetime that simplified the process. In 2022, he himself chose the location of his burial. According to the Vatican media, the expenses of Pope Francis' burial have been fully covered by a beneficiary.

The Holy See Press Office also pointed out that Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell is presiding over the commemoration and funeral ceremonies for the late Pope Francis.

A number of world leaders are expected to attend the funeral. The presidents of the US, France, and Brazil have already announced their intention to visit the Vatican. Representatives of other churches and religions will also be present.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after a series of illnesses from which he never recovered.

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