Pope Francis's Funeral

All eyes are focused on the funeral of Pope Francis, which will be held throughout this April 26. Fifty heads of government and at least ten monarchs have confirmed their presence. This delegation gathered at 8:30 a.m., and the mass will begin at 10:00 a.m.

The funeral mass is being presided over by Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, in St. Peter's Square. This was the last place where the Supreme Pontiff was seen in public last Easter Sunday. 

The funeral will follow the rites established in the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis." However, the last wishes of Francis for a funeral as austere as possible will be fulfilled. 

For the Supreme Pontiff, the papal funeral had to be "that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ, and not of a powerful person in this world." According to the Vatican, at 12:00 p.m., the arrival of Pope Francis's casket will begin. It will be received by a delegation of transgender people, prisoners, and homeless individuals.

The reason for the presence of these groups is that they were firmly defended by Jorge Mario Bergoglio. To ensure security, a police force of 4,000 officers has been deployed. Notable groups include the anti-terrorist unit and the use of anti-drone systems.

What Happens After the Funeral

After the mass, the funeral procession will slowly make its way through the streets of Rome. They will do so until they reach the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the main temples in Rome. There, in a private ceremony, Pope Francis will be buried at his express request. 

He also requested a tomb with the inscription 'Franciscus,' but without any particular decoration. He also expressed in his will that his tomb be directly on the ground and austere.

Once the funeral is concluded, the Novendiales will begin, which consist of special celebrations held for nine days in honor of the pontiff. Each day will be dedicated to different sectors of the Church. 

Therefore, the cycle will close on Sunday, May 4, with a Papal Chapel presided over by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. The Novendiales will culminate with the start of the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel.

The 138 cardinals, under 80 years old, with the right to vote, will elect the new Supreme Pontiff. The Conclave is expected to start between May 5 and 10, the deadline set by the Vatican.

To be elected, a candidate must obtain a two-thirds majority of the votes. Once consensus is reached, the Dean Cardinal will ask the chosen one if he accepts. He will choose a papal name, and it will be announced to the world with the traditional "Habemus Papam."

As documented in elcierredigital.com, there are several favorite candidates to succeed Francis. Among the most mentioned names are Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67 years old), Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79 years old), Juan José Omella (Spain, 79 years old), or Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69 years old).