
Here's What To Know About Pope Francis' Funeral
HuffPost
Get the answers to questions about what a pope's funeral looks like, Francis' legacy and how the next pope is chosen.
NEW YORK (AP) — Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death set off mourning across the Catholic world and days of ritual at the Vatican. Here are the key things to know about the funeral of the first Latin American pontiff in the church’s history:
When and where was his funeral held?
His funeral was held Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square. His coffin was then taken by motorcade across downtown Rome to the spot where he wished to be laid to rest in a simple underground tomb at St. Mary Major Basilica, according to his will. The church is home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he was particularly devoted.
Why not at the Vatican?
Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting, the Salus Populi Romani, or Salvation of the people of Rome.













