Cardinals met this Tuesday to plan Pope Francis' funeral, which is expected to be attended by leaders from around the world.
The 88-year-old died suddenly on Monday of a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said, ending a turbulent papacy during which he repeatedly clashed with traditionalists and strongly supported the poor and marginalized.
The head of the Holy See spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year with pneumonia in both lungs. But he returned to his Vatican home about a month ago, gradually recovering, and even appeared for the faithful in St. Peter's Square over Easter.
His sudden death set in motion a series of ancient rituals as the 1.4 billion-member Church begins the transition from one Pope to the next. One of them was the closing of the papal apartment by a cardinal known as the Camerlengo.
All cardinals currently in Rome were invited to gather at the Vatican from this morning when they are expected to make plans for the funeral.
US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with the Pope on immigration, said he and his wife would travel to Rome to attend the funeral. Other heads of state who have confirmed attendance include French President Emmanuel Macron and Javier Mireille, the president of Francis's native Argentina.
The Vatican said the ceremony is expected to take place between Friday and Saturday. In a break with tradition, Francis confirmed in his final will, read on Monday, that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome rather than in St. Peter's.
Meanwhile, the conclave to elect the new Pope will be held 15 to 20 days after the death of the Head of the Holy See. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
