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Vatican releases pictures of Francis in open coffin
The Vatican has launched first footage exhibiting Francis in open coffin throughout the ceremony of certification of demise that passed off within the chapel of Casa Santa Marta in Vatican final night time.
Vatican Information reported that “throughout the ceremony, the declaration of demise was learn aloud. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell, and the ceremony lasted slightly below an hour.”
We’re anticipating to listen to extra about when the coffin shall be taken for public viewing in Saint Peter’s Basilica in some unspecified time in the future as we speak.
Key occasions
Funeral to happen on Saturday, the Vatican confirms
The Vatican has simply confirmed that Pope Francis’s funeral shall be held on Saturday at 10am native time, Reuters reported.
Vatican releases pictures of Francis in open coffin
The Vatican has launched first footage exhibiting Francis in open coffin throughout the ceremony of certification of demise that passed off within the chapel of Casa Santa Marta in Vatican final night time.
Vatican Information reported that “throughout the ceremony, the declaration of demise was learn aloud. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell, and the ceremony lasted slightly below an hour.”
We’re anticipating to listen to extra about when the coffin shall be taken for public viewing in Saint Peter’s Basilica in some unspecified time in the future as we speak.
How will the subsequent pope be chosen?

Harriet Sherwood
The subsequent pope shall be chosen by the School of Cardinals, the Catholic church’s most senior figures appointed by the pontiff, who will make their option to Rome within the subsequent few days for the conclave. The identify comes from the Latin cum clave, which means “with key”, indicating the closed technique of electing a pope.

There are greater than 250 cardinals from greater than 90 international locations, however solely about 135 are cardinal electors (these over the age of 80 are excluded). About 110 of the cardinal electors have been chosen by Francis prior to now 10 years and largely mirror his imaginative and prescient of a extra inclusive church.
As soon as the cardinals are assembled in Rome, normally 15-20 days after the pope’s demise, they collect beneath Michelangelo’s magnificent painted ceiling within the Sistine Chapel to start their deliberations. After the phrases further omnes – everybody out – are declared, referring to all however voting cardinals and a handful of officers and medical doctors, the doorways are locked.
The Vatican this morning – in footage
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy anticipated to attend funeral
… and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy can also be anticipated to attend the funeral, presidency supply informed AFP.
Anticipate the diplomatic listing to develop quickly within the coming days, with most international locations sending their heads of state or authorities to pay tribute to Francis – creating potential area for high-level conferences on the margins of the funeral.
France’s Macron to attend Francis’s funeral
French president Emmanuel Macron additionally simply confirmed he would attend the funeral, talking to reporters in Saint-Denis de la Reunion, the place he’s on a overseas journey.
“We’ll attend the pope’s funeral as we must always,” he mentioned, AFP reported.
US president Trump anticipated at Francis’s funeral
US president Donald Trump mentioned in a single day that he was planning to journey to Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis, anticipated later this week.
In a put up on Fact Social, he mentioned:
Melania and I shall be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look ahead to being there!
Entrance pages from round Europe and past
Let’s begin the day by bringing you entrance pages from round Europe and past as newspapers reported on the demise of Pope Francis – together with in Italy and his native Argentina.
Morning opening: Sede vacante

Jakub Krupa
Following the demise of Pope Francis at 88 yesterday, the papacy is presently vacant, or as they name it in Vatican, we’re within the sede vacante interval.
However first choices are set to be made as we speak in regards to the course of that can first pay tribute to Francis’s lifetime of service, and in the end result in the election of his successor.
Whereas the 88-year-old left clear directions on the place he would need to be buried – in St. Mary Main basilica exterior the Vatican – the essential timeline of what occurs when is to be determined by the cardinals.
The Congregation of Cardinals is anticipated to make first calls as we speak, together with on when his physique would lie in state, and when the funeral would happen, kicking off a posh diplomatic operation which can see scores of world leaders descend on Rome and Vatican.
The clock can also be beginning for the conclave which can in the end elect the brand new pope, which should start 15-20 days after the demise of the earlier head of the Catholic church. Anticipate to listen to extra about papabili, these anticipated to be within the operating to succeed Francis.
I’ll convey you all the important thing updates all through the day.
It’s Tuesday, 22 April 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa right here, and that is Europe Dwell.
Good morning.