The Vatican has announced the schedule for the traditional nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, which will begin on April 26โthe day of his funeral.
Photo: Vatican Media
Daily events will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica as part of the novemdiales, continuing until May 4. The first day of the novemdiales will be marked by Pope Francisโ funeral Mass in St. Peterโs Square.
The announcement came as Catholic cardinals met to discuss the next steps following Pope Francis’ passing. However, a date has yet to be set for the conclaveโthe secret meeting of cardinals to elect a new popeโwhich must take place between 15 and 20 days after the pontiff’s passing.
Malacaรฑang has also declared a four-day national mourning period for Pope Francis, lasting until April 26.
Pope Francisย passed awayย at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21 due to a stroke and heart failure.
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This period, known as the Novemdiales, consists of nine consecutive days of mourning and liturgical observances, beginning with his funeral on April 26.