The final funeral rites for the late Pope Francis are set to commence at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
According to the Vatican, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the solemn Requiem Mass from the steps of the Basilica.
This was disclosed by the Vatican in the early hours of Saturday.
“From the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, is set to preside at the Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis,” it said in the early hours of Saturday.
The Vatican also announced that the liturgy will be broadcast live via Facebook, YouTube, and other official channels.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering from stroke, coma, and a heart failure.
The late Pope will be buried on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in the Pauline Chapel.
Pauline Chapel houses the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani.
The decision to bury Pope Francis there followed his request in his Spiritual Testament.
The late Catholic pontiff has been in and out of hospital since February 14.