The funeral ceremony for Pope Francis began at 10:00 AM, with his burial to take place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The procession of cardinals inside St. Peter’s Basilica marked the start of the funeral ceremony.
The coffin of the head of the Catholic Church was carried on the shoulders of the sediarii, exiting St. Peter’s Basilica. The square erupted in applause. An open Gospel was placed atop Pope Francis’ coffin, reports Euronews.
Present at the ceremony are 10 kings and queens, 50 heads of state, 23 prime ministers, delegations from 160 countries, about 4,000 clergy members, and at least 120 religious delegations from around the world.
St. Peter’s Square is nearly at full capacity, hosting around 50,000 people. It is estimated that an additional 100,000 people have gathered along Via della Conciliazione and the surrounding streets leading to the square.
