Anticipated Details: Elements of Pope Francis' Farewell Ceremony

Pope Francis' Funeral and Mourning Ceremonies

Pope Francis, who passed away this week at the age of 88, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, in a simple and solemn ceremony at Saint Peter's Square. His funeral Mass will be attended by numerous heads of state, including US President Donald Trump and 10 reigning monarchs, as well as leaders from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Ukraine, Brazil, EU institutions, and his home nation of Argentina.

Around 200,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony, with more than 4,000 priests concelebrating the Mass. The Mass is due to start at 10 am (0800 GMT) with a choir singing introductory rites in Latin. The mourning service will be led by Pope Francis himself on Sunday, April 27, followed by another Mass led by Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Papal items such as coins and medals minted during his pontificate were placed into the casket, along with a special deed listing the key points of his 12-year papacy. The tomb will be inscribed only with the Latin name for Francis, Franciscus. In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in a simple zinc-lined wooden coffin.

On Friday evening, April 25, Francis' coffin was sealed in a private ceremony led by eight Catholic cardinals. The funeral cortege will travel to the basilica from Saint Peter's at walking pace, passing by many of Rome's famed monuments, including the Colosseum.

The burial will be a private service, but visitors to the tomb will be allowed shortly afterwards. At the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, the sermon was delivered by German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would be elected 11 days later as Pope Benedict XVI. This time, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will deliver the homily and lead the Mass.

Re cannot enter the conclave that will elect Francis' successor as he is 91 years old, and he is not a papal contender. However, Vatican watchers believe he may still try to provide a guide for his fellow cardinals to follow. Re will commend the Pope's soul to God and ask for consolation for the Roman Catholic Church during the "Final Commendation and Farewell."

A group of poor people will be present on the steps leading to Mary Major to pay their final respects to Francis. The choir will sing in Latin, "May the angels lead you into paradise." Re will sprinkle the coffin with holy water and incense during the Mass.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis includes a prayer for peace for all people and nations. The Vatican will announce the date for the start of the conclave that will choose Francis' successor in coming days, unlikely to be before May 6.