Overview

• The tomb of Pope Francis, inscribed simply with 'Franciscus,' opened for public visitation on April 27, drawing thousands of faithful to Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
• A memorial mass held at St. Peter’s Square on the same day attracted an estimated 200,000 attendees, reflecting the global admiration for the late pontiff.
• Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88, was laid to rest in a private burial on April 26 following a grand funeral attended by 400,000 people.
• The Vatican is observing a nine-day mourning period, with daily liturgies at St. Peter’s Basilica continuing through May 4.
• Cardinals are expected to convene in a conclave between May 5 and 10, likely on May 5 or 6, to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.