Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from a stroke following a hospitalization for pneumonia. His body has been prepared for public viewing, and various ceremonial arrangements are being instituted by the Vatican as they commemorate his life and prepare for the selection of a new pope. The solemn ceremony included a private viewing for Vatican officials and the initiation of funeral plans by the Congregation of Cardinals. Public homage begins at St. Peter's Basilica, indicating a transition in papal leadership.
“The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning,” said Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman.
In images shared by the Vatican, the pontiff can be seen lying in his vestments with a rosary in hand, surrounded by ceremonial guards.
Cardinals gathered in the Vatican Tuesday morning to kickstart funeral plans, as well as the elaborate ceremony which marks the end of the papacy ahead of the next.
The process to select a new pope, called a conclave, generally takes place between 15 and 20 days after the pontiff’s death, as confirmed by Vatican officials.
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