Audio By Carbonatix
Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history’s first Latin American pontiff.
The cardinals met Tuesday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world.
According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10.
The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. U.S. President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.
The Argentine pope died Monday at age 88 after a stroke put him in a coma and led his heart to fail. He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia.
He made his last public appearance Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and greeting followers from his popemobile, looping around St. Peter’s Square.
His Easter appearance from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world as the first pope from the Americas on March 13, 2013, was a fitting bookend to a 12-year papacy that sought to shake up the church and return it to its Gospel-mandated mission of caring for the poorest.
Latest Stories
-
Akosua Manu refutes Kennedy Agyapong; Bawumia campaigned for NPP in Adenta
9 minutes -
Government’s reset agenda will take time to materialise – Ho Central MP
9 minutes -
Police seize over 1,600 parcels of suspected narcotic drugs in major bust
11 minutes -
Miguel Ribeiro Fiifi Brandful
13 minutes -
Trade Minister storms Abossey Okai to enforce fair pricing ,curb middlemen exploitation
17 minutes -
Hopeson Adorye calls for firm action against GWCL over persistent water shortages
26 minutes -
Two burnt to death in fiery Offinso road accident
48 minutes -
NPP flatly rejects Frimpong-Boateng’s claims, defends 2024 flagbearer vote
1 hour -
NPP initiates process to expel Prof Frimpong-Boateng over “fake party” comments
1 hour -
Family of late Sawla-Tuna-Kalba MP appeals to President Mahama over GH¢944,955 demand blocking his burial
2 hours -
Today’s Front pages: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
2 hours -
Galamsey fight: Western Regional Minister calls for real-time monitoring of water bodies
2 hours -
NPP has lost its identity, the current party is “fake” – Prof Frimpong-Boateng
3 hours -
GRA targets GH¢225bn revenue in 2026 as VAT reforms take effect
3 hours -
Heath Goldfields promises community-centered revival of Bogoso-Prestea Mine
3 hours
