Cardinals to Meet for Pope Francis' Funeral Plans

Catholic cardinals will gather on Tuesday to begin preparations for Pope Francis' funeral, according to local media. The meeting will include cardinals already in Rome and others arriving by that time. The first general congregation will determine the next steps leading to the conclave, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Pope Francis' body is expected to be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday for public viewing. His funeral is likely to take place on Saturday, April 26, in accordance with the Church’s guidelines.

The conclave to elect the new pope is scheduled between May 6 and May 10, though it could occur sooner if all cardinals are present.

Pope Francis, born in Buenos Aires in 1936, led the Catholic Church for over a decade, gaining both admiration for his reforms and humility and criticism from conservatives. He passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after battling illness.