Pope Francis, the progressive pontiff who passed away at 88, will have his funeral in St. Peterโs Square on Saturday. His body, placed in an open casket at the Santa Marta residence, will be available for public viewing at St. Peterโs Basilica. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to attend. Breaking with tradition, Francis requested to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in a simple grave without grand decoration. A conclave to elect his successor is expected to begin after May 6. With 80% of the cardinal electors appointed by Francis, his successor may continue his progressive legacy. #popefrancis #PopeFrancisFuneral #vaticannews #StPetersSquare #SantaMariaMaggiore #catholicchurch #PapalLegacy #Conclave2025 #NextPope #ProgressivePontiff #PopeBurial #TrumpVaticanVisit #churchhistory #PopeFrancisDeath #PapalTransition
