ROME – Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Vatican has announced that his funeral will be held Saturday morning in Rome at St. Peter’s Basilica, before his coffin is transferred to a different location, per his special request, for his entombment.
The pope died Monday at 7:35am local time after experiencing a cerebral stroke that subsequently led to a coma, and cardiocirculatory failure.
His death came as a shock to many, given that he had made an appearance for Easter Sunday, giving his traditional noontime Urbi et Orbi blessing and taking his first ride in the popemobile to greet and bless faithful and pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
