Thousands Pay Respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica

Public Viewing and Funeral Arrangements

• 📍 St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is filled with thousands of people paying respects to Pope Francis.
• 🗓️ The public viewing began Wednesday morning and will continue non-stop until Friday evening, with the funeral scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time.
• 🌍 Dozens of world leaders, including President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky, are expected to attend the funeral.

Funeral and Burial Details

• ⚰️ Before burial, a white veil will cover Pope Francis's face, and minted coins and a scroll detailing his life will be placed in his coffin.
• ⛪ Pope Francis has chosen to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, a church he particularly loved, rather than St. Peter's Basilica.

Conclave and Papal Succession

• 🗳️ Cardinals are meeting in Rome to discuss plans for the conclave, the process to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
• ⚠️ Two cardinals, aged 79, have withdrawn from the conclave discussions due to health reasons.
• 🙏 The belief is that the Holy Spirit has already chosen Pope Francis's successor, despite human speculation and discernment.