Papa Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, will be laid to rest this Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. (08:00 GMT), the Vatican announced. The funeral rites will be held in St. Peter’s Square, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the senior-most member of the College of Cardinals, officiating the service.

The Pope’s remains will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica early Wednesday morning at 07:00 GMT, allowing mourners from across the world to offer their final respects. A prayer ceremony, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will precede the procession. His body, resting in an open coffin, is dressed in crimson robes, a papal mitre, and clasping a rosary — as seen in solemn images released by the Vatican.

Francis, aged 88, passed away on Monday morning after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. His health had declined in recent months despite a brief recovery following hospitalization for severe pneumonia.

In a break from papal tradition, he expressed his wish to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major — home to his beloved image of the Virgin Mary — rather than in the Vatican.

Following his death, time-honored Vatican protocols were enacted, including the ceremonial destruction of his Fisherman’s Ring and official seal. The Church now turns to the future: preparations are underway for a conclave, likely to begin after May 6, where 135 cardinals will gather to choose a new pontiff.