Cardinals Convene in Vatican to Finalize Arrangements for Pope Francis' Funeral

Cardinals have intensified their preparations for the funeral of Pope Francis, gathering to organize the mourning process and discuss the agenda for the forthcoming conclave to elect his successor as thousands of admirers honor the late pontiff.

In the heart of Vatican City on Thursday, the air was filled with a spirit of mourning as cardinals and priests donned traditional black robes and red sashes, weaving through a crowd of tens of thousands of Catholics paying tribute to Pope Francis. As the revered pope passed away on Easter Monday, the preparations for his funeral on Saturday were gathering momentum, although the conclave to elect his successor remains without a confirmed starting date.

On Thursday morning, cardinals convened for their third meeting in the apostolic palace following Francis’ death, aiming to address logistical concerns for the mourning period and the upcoming conclave. Experts suggest that these discussions could shape the election process by allowing cardinals to chart priorities without public scrutiny.

Over the past few days, the presence of cardinals in Rome has swelled, highlighting the gravity of the occasion. Among the matters under discussion, one cardinal remarked, “The central point is the preaching of the authentic faith as it is,” indicating potential themes for the church’s direction going forward.

Currently, arrangements pertaining to the upcoming funeral are taking precedence, with the cardinals also needing to select an official date for the conclave. As mourners poured into St. Peter's Basilica—approximately 50,000 of them since Wednesday—the scene underscored the profound loss felt across the global Catholic community.

A poignant moment came as Bruna Donato, a 70-year-old attendee, reflected, “Pope Francis is watching us from up there. He knows who goes and who doesn’t,” encapsulating the closely-knit connection between the pontiff and his followers.