Here’s what we know about Pope Francis’ funeral

Pope Francis died on Monday at age capping a -year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and message of inclusion but also chosen criticism from conservatives who sometimes felt alienated by his progressive bent Related Articles Antisemitic incidents slow worldwide from post-Oct spike but remain higher than before Gaza war Israeli strike in Gaza kills as Arab mediators seek long-term truce EVs tariffs in the spotlight as Chinese automakers take leading role at Shanghai auto show A magnitude quake shakes Istanbul and injures more than people Trump says Zelenskyy is prolonging war in Ukraine by resisting calls to cede Crimea to Russia Thousands of people began filing through St Peter s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis on Wednesday at the start of three days of population viewing ahead of his funeral What time is Pope Francis funeral The funeral has been set for Saturday at a m local time a m ET in St Peter s Square and will be attended by leaders including U S President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Cardinals walk past the body of Pope Francis who will lie in state for three days after it arrived in St Peter s Basilica at the Vatican Wednesday April AP Photo Francisco Seco When is population viewing Francis casket is available for population viewing in St Peter s Basilica The basilica will be kept open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday to allow the faithful to mourn The constituents mourning period will end on Friday at p m local time People queue in St Peter s Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis who will lie in state at St Peter s Basilica for three days at the Vatican Wednesday April AP Photo Francisco Seco What happens after the funeral Francis death and funeral will usher in a diligently orchestrated period of transition in the billion-strong Catholic Church with cardinals gathering over the coming days before entering a conclave the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope There are cardinals who are under years old and eligible to vote after two bowed out for strength reasons and the new pontiff will likely come from within their ranks The conclave is not expected to begin before May Contributing Associated Press