The Vatican has announced the schedule for the traditional nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, which will begin on April 26—the 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 Francis’ funeral Mass in St. Peter’s 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 conclave—the secret meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope—which must take place between 15 and 20 days after the pontiff’s passing.
Malacañang has also declared a four-day national mourning period for Pope Francis, lasting until April 26.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21 due to a stroke and heart failure.
ALSO READ: Could Cardinal Tagle Succeed Pope Francis? Here’s How the Next Pope Will Be Chosen
This period, known as the Novemdiales, consists of nine consecutive days of mourning and liturgical observances, beginning with his funeral on April 26.