World leaders, cardinals and crowds of pilgrims are expected to flock to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
The Prince of Wales will join the likes of US president Donald Trump, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky to pay their respects to the pontiff, who died aged 88 on Monday.
Officials at the Vatican released images of the late pope in an open casket on Tuesday, and confirmed that he had died from a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
He is said to have showed the first signs of sudden illness two hours before passing, according to the Vatican news outlet, which reported he made a gesture of farewell with his hand to his nurse before falling into a coma.
His body will be moved to St Peter’s basilica on Wednesday to allow the public to pay their respects ahead of his funeral in St Peter’s Square and burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
His death came after he was hospitalised with double pneumonia for several weeks in February, before he returned to the Vatican in mid-March to recover.
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Pope has died, Vatican announces
- Cardinals confirm funeral date for Saturday
- Prince William and Trump to attend Pope's funeral
- Vatican releases photos of late Pope in open casket
- Pope died of stroke, Vatican says
- The Vatican’s full official statement
When is Pope Francis’ funeral? Timeline and what to expect from Vatican ceremony
23:35
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Athena Stavrou
Since Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday, leaders from around the world have shared their tributes to the late pontiff, as 1.39 billion Catholics across the globe enter mourning.
Cardinals congregated the following day to establish the date of the funeral ahead of the papal conclave in which a new pope will be selected.
The mourning process is set to keep in with centuries worth of tradition, including the Novemdiales - or nine days of mourning - which allegedly dates back to Roman times.
Here is the timeline of events from the pope’s death and what will happen going forward:
Pope Francis needed two months rest before returning to work, doctors said
23:31
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Athena Stavrou
Doctors told Pope Francis that he needed two months’ rest before he returned to work, after he spent more than five weeks in hospital for a bout of double pneumonia.
Despite the orders of doctors, the pope kept working right to the end.
The day before his death, Francis made his first prolonged public appearance since February, as he entered St. Peter’s Square in a white popemobile to greet cheering crowds.
Watch: Pope Francis' apartment sealed with red ribbon and wax after his death
23:01
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Athena Stavrou
Who could be the next Pope? The cardinals who might succeed the head of the Catholic Church
22:27
,
Athena Stavrou
The death of Pope Francis on Monday sets in motion a centuries-old ritual involving sacred oaths, performed by the cardinals who will elect his successor.
As is always the case, in the months and years prior to the death of a pope, a selection of candidates known as papabile emerge as the frontrunners to become the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Below, we look at the candidates most likely to be the next Pope:
Francis will be the first Pope buried outside the Vatican in 120 years. Here’s why
22:06
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Athena Stavrou
Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a location that reflects his humble approach to the grand office.
Breaking with tradition, the pontiff, whose death at the age of 88 was announced on Easter Monday, has chosen a burial site outside the Vatican – the first pope to do so in 120 years.
Francis's final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major basilicas of Christendom in Rome, situated on the Esquiline Hill.
Francis’s will stipulated a simple burial "in the earth, without particular decoration", marked only with his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
This understated approach aligns with his efforts to bring a more humble touch to the papacy, often eschewing the Vatican's traditional pomp and opting for simpler rites.
St. Mary Major, around 4 km (2.5 miles) from the Vatican, was dear to Francis because of his devotion to Mary, Mother of God. He prayed there before setting off on and returning from each overseas trip.
Francis returned at key moments in his papacy, praying for an end to the coronavirus pandemic in a locked-down Rome in 2020 and after his abdominal surgeries in 2021 and 2023.
Wales face rescheduled Women’s Six Nations finale due to Pope Francis’s funeral
21:42
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Athena Stavrou
Wales’s final Women’s Six Nations fixture against Italy in Parma on Saturday is set to be rearranged because of Pope Francis’s funeral.
Friday and Sunday are being considered as alternative dates, according to reports, but Six Nations organisers have not yet made an announcement.
The game is currently due to kick off just over three hours after the Pope’s funeral begins.
With Italy having embarked on five days of national mourning, Sunday would appear to be the most likely option.
Wales have lost all four of their games in this season’s tournament and will be consigned to the wooden spoon if they are beaten by Italy.
The Six Nations and Welsh Rugby Union have been contacted for comment by the PA news agency.
Anonymous benefactor to pay for Pope Francis funeral
21:23
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Athena Stavrou
An anonymous benefactor will pay for the cost of Pope Francis’s funeral, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
“The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged,” Francis’s will said.
His funeral will take place in St Peter’s square on Saturday morning.
He will then be buried in St Mary Major, becoming the first pope in over 100 years to not be buried in Vatican grounds.
Landmarks around the world mark death of Pope
20:58
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Athena Stavrou
Iconic buildings around the world remembered Pope Francis following his death on Monday.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris went dark in remembrance, and the Vatican's St Peter's Square became a gathering place for mourners.
The Empire State Building in New York was illuminated in memory of Pope Francis on Monday night.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia flew its flags at half-mast, as did several state buildings around the world, including the White House in the US and the presidential office in Taiwan.
And in his hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis' portrait was projected on the Obelisk.
Trump and Prince William to be among funeral attendees
20:28
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Athena Stavrou
A large array of world leaders, cardinals and hundreds of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
Those confirmed to be attending already include the Prince of Wales, on behalf of his father, King Charles.
US president Donald Trump and the first lady Melania have also said they will be attending.
They will be joined by other royal families and world leaders including Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Mass for Pope Francis held in New York
19:56
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Athena Stavrou
Pictured: Faithful attend a rosary following the death of Pope Francis at St Peter's Square
19:28
,
Athena Stavrou
Pope 'thankful' he returned to square for final time - report
18:47
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Athena Stavrou
Pope Francis was thankful that he was able to greet people in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, a day before he died, Vatican News reported Tuesday.
The pontiff, who had been recovering after being hospitalised for five weeks with pneumonia, initially had doubts about his appearance, Vatican News reported.
"Do you think I can manage it?" the pope asked Massimiliano Strappetti, his personal health care assistant, according to the news agency.
The pope was reassured, and afterward, Francis told Strappetti, "Thank you for bringing me back to the square," Vatican News said.
Tourists and mourners gather in St Peter's Square day after Pope's death
18:30
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Athena Stavrou
Pope Francis had ‘unfinished business’ - Irish president
17:47
The president of Ireland has said Pope Francis had “unfinished business”, and that he hopes the next pope will build on the steps he was able to take during his tenure.
Speaking on Tuesday, Michael D Higgins said: “I think it’s very appropriate as president of Ireland that I would communicate the appreciation of all of the people of Ireland for the generosity of his life, given right until the very last moments of his life.
“For that reason, I will miss very, very much the statements, all of those documents, which were documents of inclusion. I did say, as well, there was unfinished business that I hope that those who follow him will build on the steps he was able to take.”
A look at the coming weeks:
17:27
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Athena Stavrou
The death of Pope Francis has set in motion weeks of millennia-old processes in the lead up to the next Pontiff being elected.
Here is a look at what we can expect in the coming days:
- On Tuesday, the Pope’s body was pictured in Casa Santa Marta, his former residence.
- On Wednesday, the Pope’s open casket will go on public display at St Peter's Basilica for mourners to pay their respects.
- On Saturday morning, his funeral will take place in St Peter’s square.
- He will be buried in St Mary Major, becoming the first pope in over 100 years to not be buried in Vatican grounds.
- After the service, there will be a nine-day period of mourning.
- On May 5, cardinals will gather in the Vatican to begin the conclave - where a new pope will be elected.
- The cardinals are not allowed contact with the outside world during the election, which could take days.
Who is currently in charge of the Vatican?
17:05
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Athena Stavrou
As the Catholic Church enters the “sede vacante”, Cardinal Kevin Farrell is overseeing the Holy See’s administrative and financial duties in absence of a pope.
Cardinal Farrell was born on 2 September 1947 in Dublin. He became an ordained priest in 1978, serving for almost 40 years before Francis made him a cardinal in 2016.
He is the Camerlengo of the Church, meaning that he is in charge while the conclave takes place.
Pope’s hometown to wear special football shirts in memory
16:52
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Athena Stavrou
In another tribute to the late Pope, his hometown football team will wear special commemorative jersey.
The shirts are due to be worn for Saturday’s match against Rosario Central, the same day as the Pope’s funeral.
“The pope leaves an unbreakable legacy,” San Lorenzo's president Marcelo Moretti said.
"For all San Lorenzo fans, he was a source of great pride. It is a very sad day."
Several other Argentine teams suspended matches on Monday as a mark of respect.
Where will Pope Francis be buried?
16:34
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Athena Stavrou
Pope Francis chose St Mary Major as his resting place, about 4 km from the Vatican.
It marks a break from tradition as most popes were buried in Vatican grounds - the last pope not to be was in 1903.
The basilica was important to the Pope because it was his favourite place to pray. He prayed there before and after every international trip.
“I've always had a great devotion to St Mary Major, even before I became pope,” he wrote in his 2024 book El Sucesor.
Prince William to attend Pope's funeral
16:07
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Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales is to attend the Pope’s funeral on behalf of the King, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
Prince William, a future head of the Church of England, will represent his father by travelling to Vatican City for Pope Francis’s funeral mass in St Peter’s Square on Saturday.
The decision is in keeping with modern tradition and will be seen as a major milestone in William’s role as a global statesman and future king.
Charles as the Prince of Wales went to Pope John Paul II’s funeral, representing his mother the late Queen - who never attended the funeral of a pontiff - in 2005.
'Pope was a transcendent voice for peace': UN
16:00
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Steffie Banatvala
“Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice.
— United Nations (@UN) April 21, 2025
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all.”
– @antonioguterres on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. https://t.co/TBKJZcaWWa pic.twitter.com/MFJGauw9Zc
'Pope was extraordinary and devoted servant': Tony Blair
15:45
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Steffie Banatvala
The UK’s only living Catholic former prime minister has paid tribute to the late Pope.
“Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity - Christian and non-Christian alike,” said Tony Blair, who met the pope in 2017.
“Cherie and I are deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace,” he said, with reference to his wife.
In pictures: people flock to Vatican to mourn Pope Francis
15:30
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Steffie Banatvala
WATCH: How does a new pope get chosen? Inside the conclave
15:15
,
Bryony Gooch
Former Irish premier praises Pope Francis for reaching out to LGBT+ community
15:00
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Bryony Gooch
Former Irish premier Leo Varadkar has praised Pope Francis for reaching out to the LGBT+ community, saying it made him feel “more comfortable” going to church services.
Mr Varadkar, who was taoiseach from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024, met Francis during the Pope’s visit to Ireland in 2018. He introduced his partner Matt to the Pope during their meeting.
Francis said that laws criminalising homosexuality were “unjust” and that “being homosexual isn’t a crime” in 2023.
Mr Varadkar told RTE: “I think the way he reached out to groups like ours, like LGBT people, did matter and certainly made me feel more comfortable going to church services.”
He continued: “Having a pope, the head of the largest Christian church, saying that refugees should be sheltered, saying that our planet was sick and that we needed to act to save it, saying that LGBT people should not be criminalised, that that did matter.
“I do hope that successor is of a similar mind.”
The pope's body will lie in state from Wednesday
14:45
The pope’s body will go on public display from Wednesday for mourners to pay their respect.
Here the body is pictured lying in a wooden coffin dressed in red, with rosary beads draped across his hands.
How the next pope will be chosen: explained
14:30
,
Steffie Banatvala
The conclave period electing the new pope will start on May 5 following a nine-day mourning period.
Here’s what happens:
- Cardinals are not allowed contact with the outside world during the election in the Vatican, which can take days
- Voting takes places in Sistine Chapel before the papers are mixed, counted and opened
- A two-thirds majority is needed, according to a 2007 decree passed by Pope Benedict
- The ballot papers are then burned, with white smoke seen coming out of the chimney if a decision has been made and black smoke if it has not been made
- The announcement of the next pope is made about 15 minutes after white smoke is visible to onlookers
- If black smoke is seen, the voting process continues
Eiffel Tower darkened in tribute to Pope Francis in France
14:15
,
Steffie Banatvala
Pope Francis started showing signs of 'sudden illness' at 5.30am
14:08
,
Bryony Gooch
Pope Francis showed the first signs of sudden illness two hours before passing, according to the Vatican news outlet.
They said at he grew ill around 5.30am, prompting an immediate response from those keeping watch over him.
He made a gesture of farewell with his hand to Mr Strappetti, his nurse, around an hour later while he was lying in bed. Francis then fell into a coma.
Around an hour later, after making a gesture of farewell with his hand to Mr. Strappetti, lying in bed in his second-floor apartment at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope fell into a coma.
The outlet said: “He did not suffer, and it all happened very fast.”
In pictures: Vienna lights candles for Pope Francis
14:00
,
Steffie Banatvala
Pope's funeral re-capped: if you're just joining us
13:45
,
Steffie Banatvala
- The funeral has been set for Saturday morning in St Peter’s square
- It will take place at 9am UK time
- It will be celebrated by the Cardinals and dozens of world leaders
- The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service
- Re will deliver the final commendation at the end of the service, which formally entrusts the Pope to God, and the body moved to St Mary Major for the burial
- The funeral day marks the first of nine days of mourning
- At the end of the mourning period the conclave process to select a new pope will begin
- Public viewing of the late Pope Francis will start beforehand, on Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica after a procession will take his casket from his Vatican residence
'Pope knew how to give hope, ease suffering': Zelensky
13:30
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Steffie Banatvala
Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 21, 2025
He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We… pic.twitter.com/Ww6NtsbWWS
Inside Pope Francis's final day, when he made his last public appearance as he recovered from illness
13:20
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Bryony Gooch
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday as he surprised crowds in St Peter’s Square on the holy day with a short tour in his popemobile.
It was the first time he’d been seen out in public since he’d survived a five-week bout of double pneumonia.
He thanked his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti who had provided the pontiff with 24-hour care, for his help in bringing him to the square: “Thanks for bringing me to the square”, he said, per the Vatican official news outlet.
The pontiff had previously been told by doctors he needed two months rest following his 38 days in hospital for his ageing body to heal.
Instead, he spent his final day working before enjoying a “peaceful dinner”, according to the Vatican outlet.
Who's attending the Pope's funeral: if you're just joining us
13:15
,
Steffie Banatvala
Dozens of world leaders and hundreds of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
So far, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Argentinian President Javier Milei, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have said they will attend.
Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute but said he would not attend the funeral.
Sir Keir Starmer the latest world leader to confirm attendance to pope's funeral
13:08
,
Bryony Gooch
UK prime minister Keir Starmer is the latest world leader to confirm he will be attending Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, Downing Street has said.
Dozens of the world leaders and hundreds of thousands of worshippers are expected.
Sir Keir had called Francis “a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten” in his tribute to the religious leader.
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church. pic.twitter.com/rrmadD29Dr
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 21, 2025
College of Cardinals and pope's election: explained
13:00
,
Steffie Banatvala
Cardinals arrived this morning at the gate of Saint’Uffizio to make arrangements for Pope Francis' funeral and the conclave to select the new pope.
But who are they and what do they do:
- The College is made up of 252 senior figures in the Catholic clergy, known as cardinals
- Cardinals are appointed by the pope and they are responsible for Vatican affairs between popes
- 135 of the 252 cardinals are cardinal electors, who choose a new pope
- Pope Francis appointed 108 of the current electors cardinals
In pictures: Europe mourns death of Pope Francis
12:45
,
Steffie Banatvala
UK Parliament flags at half-mast
12:30
,
Steffie Banatvala
Vatican officials pay tribute to Pope Francis
12:15
,
Steffie Banatvala
Vatican officials were able to say goodbye to Pope Francis from Monday evening, before public viewing starts on Wednesday.
“He truly gave everything he had, up to the end,” said Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican. “He really walked with his people.”
Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said the late Pope’s efforts to promote women in the church would be one of his greatest legacies.
“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria,” said Ravasi, the Vatican's former culture minister as he arrived for Tuesday's first meeting of cardinals. “That is significant, his desire for the church to do more for women.”
'Pope rare leader who made us want to be better people': Obama
12:00
,
Steffie Banatvala
Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we… pic.twitter.com/AFI0BEotUO
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2025
EU head confirms funeral attendance, Putin confirms not attending
11:50
,
Steffie Banatvala
EU Comission President Ursula von der Leyen is the latest world leader to confirm her attendance for the late Pope’s funeral on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute but said he would not atte
