Pope Francis’ Funeral: Saturday, 4am ET

Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88 years old, is due to be laid to rest in the days ahead following a Saturday funeral service sure to draw leaders from around the world.

The death of the head of the Catholic church came weeks after he was released from a Rome hospital following a life-threatening battle with respiratory ailments. Francis had returned in late-March to the Vatican and had seemed to be improving in health.

On Easter Sunday, the pope made what would be his final public appearance when he emerged onto St. Peter's Square to thousands of gathered faithful.

Francis' selection in 2013 as the 266th pope made him the first from the Americas and the first born outside of Europe in over a millennium. Francis spent his 12-year papacy championing the poor and marginalized while eschewing much of the pomp and privilege often afforded to his station.

His death sets in motion a series of elaborate rituals and rites as the Catholic church transition from the end of his papacy to the start of the next. In the days ahead, mourners looking to pay respects can expect a public display of Francis' body, followed by a funeral and a burial.

Days or even weeks later, the most senior figures of the Catholic Church in the coming days will arrive in Italy and lock themselves in the Vatican for the papal conclave – the highly secretive process by which the next pope is chosen.

Here's everything to know:

When is Pope Francis' funeral?

Roman Catholic cardinals have decided that a funeral for Pope Francis will be held at 10:00 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter's Square.

Prior to the service, the pope's body will be taken at 9 a.m. local time Wednesday, April 23 into the adjacent St. Peter's Basilica in a procession led by cardinals. This is when the faithful will be permitted to pay their last respects.

Who is attending Pope Francis' funeral?

The solemn ceremony will surely draw world leaders from around the globe.

President Donald Trump, who clashed repeatedly with the pope about immigration, has already announced he will attend the funeral in Rome with first lady Melania Trump.

Among other heads of state set to attend were Javier Milei, president of Francis' native Argentina, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Reuters reported, citing a source in his office.

Where will Pope Francis be buried?

Francis confirmed in his final testament released on Monday that he wished to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, instead of in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, where many of pope's predecessors were laid to rest.

The wish represents a break in tradition, making him the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Seven Popes are buried in the Basilica, one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas, according to the church's website.

Francis had also asked to be buried in a simple wooden casket.

When did Pope Francis die?

Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, about four weeks after he was released from the hospital following an extended battle with respiratory ailments.

Francis' final public appearance came on Easter Sunday, the holiest day in the Christian year. After blessing the throng from the balcony, Francis emerged into the crowd at St. Peter's Square in his popemobile.

How did Pope Francis die?

Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said. He had fallen into a coma before his death early that day.

The Vatican's director of health and hygiene certified Francis' death the evening of April 21.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis spent weeks hospitalized in Rome with a life-threatening case of pneumonia in both his lungs. His death certification also states he had type II diabetes and arterial hypertension.

When and how will a new pope be selected?

Cardinals from across the globe will soon gather under a shroud of secrecy at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to decide who will lead the Catholic Church and guide 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

A conclave to choose a new pope normally takes place 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff, meaning it should not start before May 6. All cardinals in Rome were summoned to a meeting Tuesday before a new pope is elected.

Some 135 cardinals are eligible to participate in the secretive ballot – a process that takes as long as needed. Across the centuries, it has taken hours, days, months and even years for a successor to be named.

Once a decision is made, white smoke pours from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel to tell the world that a new pope has been selected.

The last time the centuries-old ritual occurred was in 2013, when Pope Francis was chosen after Pope Benedict stepped down from the papacy.