The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, the Vatican announced on Tuesday, after a meeting of cardinals, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Before he died, Francis expressed his desire to be buried at the church, one of his favourite places, and not in the grander St Peter's Basilica as is customary for deceased popes.
Global leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
Francis' body is currently lying in an open coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse, his former residence, where cardinals, officials and employees of the Vatican are able to bid farewell to him.
Francis, who was 88, died of stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday morning
Before he died, Francis expressed his desire to be buried at the church, one of his favourite places, and not in the grander St Peter's Basilica as is customary for deceased popes.
Global leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
Francis' body is currently lying in an open coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse, his former residence, where cardinals, officials and employees of the Vatican are able to bid farewell to him.
Francis, who was 88, died of stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday morning