VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has released the burial schedule for Pope Francis, who will be laid to rest on Saturday following his death.
According to a statement Tuesday from the Holy See Press Office, the late pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m. local time.
The public viewing will continue until Saturday morning, when the funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the funeral Mass.
“The Eucharistic celebration will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe,” the Holy See Press Office stated.
The ceremonial procession, known as the rite of translation, will begin Wednesday morning. The pope’s coffin will be moved from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the public viewing.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the procession, which begins at 9 a.m. with a prayer.
ALSO READ: Museveni lauds Pope Francis’ interfaith efforts
The route will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exit via the Arch of the Bells, and enter the basilica through the central door.
At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over the Liturgy of the Word. After this, members of the public will be allowed to enter and pay their respects.
Following Saturday’s funeral Mass, Pope Francis’s body will be moved within St. Peter’s Basilica before being taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for final entombment.
The ceremony will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, ushering in the Novemdiales, a traditional nine-day period of mourning and prayer for the pope’s soul.
