Pope Francis lies in state, funeral set for Saturday

Pope Francis's body was carried in a solemn procession from his residence to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, where it will lie in state until Friday evening.

Francis, who died at age 88 from a stroke, requested a simple wooden coffin and burial at Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) in St Peter's Square at the Vatican.

World leaders including US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky have confirmed their attendance to honor the late pope, who was known for his reformist agenda and emphasis on social justice.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. will also attend the funeral in Vatican City.

The Vatican’s Office of Protocol reported Thursday that 130 international delegations are expected at the funeral, including around 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.

Following the funeral Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, a solemn procession will accompany Francis' remains on foot to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, with security measures in place to ensure safety.