Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke, will be laid to rest this Saturday, the Vatican confirmed. The funeral will begin at 10:00 am local time (0800 GMT) in St. Peter's Square, with massive crowds and global dignitaries expected to attend.

Among the world leaders who have confirmed their attendance are US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who would both be traveling to Rome to honor the Argentine-born pontiff.

Francis, who had returned home recently after a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia, spent his final moments at the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where he had chosen to live throughout his 12-year papacy. 

His coffin, constructed from wood and zinc in accordance with his earlier instructions, will be moved inside St. Peter's Basilica following the public service, and later transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.

Papal transition

The process of choosing a new pope is already underway, with the first "general congregation" of cardinals held on Tuesday morning. This centuries-old procedure will culminate in the election of Francis's successor within the next three weeks.

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The Vatican also shared the first official photos of the late pontiff, who was shown lying in an open casket wearing red papal robes, a mitre on his head, and a rosary placed between his fingers. The images were taken during a private ceremony on Monday evening in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, where he passed away.

Public viewing will begin on Wednesday at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), when the pope's body is moved to St. Peter's Basilica to lie in state.

Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary to the synod of bishops, was among those who paid their respects. "I was very moved," she said. "Both sadness and gratitude for everything he gave."

Read more: Pope Francis died of stroke, willed to be buried in Rome

Vatican News, the Holy See's official media outlet, offered insight into the pope's final hours. According to the report, Francis became ill early Monday around 5:30 am, just one day after greeting worshippers in St. Peter's Square during the Easter Sunday celebration.

Before slipping into a coma, he reportedly turned to his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, and waved—a gesture Vatican News described as "a gesture of farewell."

Earlier that day, Francis had thanked Strappetti for persuading him to go on what would be his final appearance before the faithful. "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square," he was quoted as saying.

He was declared dead at 7:35 am on Monday morning.

"He did not suffer. It all happened quickly," Vatican News reported, citing those who were with him at the time of his passing.