Pope Francis’ funeral began at Saint Peter’s Square, at Vatican, at 10am this Saturday (26), local time (5 am Brasília time). Authorities expect more than 200,000 people, as well as dozens of heads of state.
THE CNN Transmit the ceremony live, follow in the video above.
The event begins with the Mass of Exequias, a celebration dedicated to the faithful who died. According to the Reuters news agency, the Mass should be concelebrated by 220 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests near the altar, as well as 4,000 priests in the square.
The Pontiff’s coffin was closed on Friday (25), in a closed ceremony with cardinals. See images released by the Vatican.
According to Vatican, about 250,000 people attended Francisco’s funeral and said goodbye to the leader of the Catholic Church.
Funeral procession and burial of Pope Francis
The Pope will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, outside the Vatican. After the Mass of Excephences, there will be a funeral procession “in a walk of walking.”
The last pope to be buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII, who died in 1903.
The route is about 5.5 km long and includes many Rome monuments, such as the Colosseum.
A group of poor people will be present on the staircase that leads to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pay their last honors to Francis, reflecting their devotion to the service of the poor and oppressed during their pontificate.
The burial will be a private ceremony, but visits to the tomb will be allowed as early as Sunday (27). The tomb will only have the inscription of the Latin name “Franciscus”.
What happens after Pope Francis’ burial?
The papal funeral marks the first nine days of mourning of the global church.
Another mourning mass will be held in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday (27). The meeting will be led by Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, often seen as one of the main candidates for the papacy.
In the coming days, the Vatican will announce the date for the beginning of the conclave that will choose Francisco’s successor. The ceremony is expected to begin between May 6 and 11.
See images of Pope Francis’ life:
Who are the Brazilian cardinals who vote for the conclave and can be Papa
This content was originally published in Pope Francis funeral: ceremony begins at St. Peter’s Square; Watch on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil

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