This weekend, , will be officially farewelled and laid to rest.
The pope died at his Vatican residence on Monday, aged 88, from stroke and heart failure, following a recent .
state in St Peter's Basilica since Wednesday, and tens of thousands of mourners have travelled to the Vatican to pay their respects. On Friday evening, his coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite ahead of the funeral the next day.
Here's what to know about Pope Francis' funeral, ceremonial traditions, and who is attending.
When is Pope Francis' funeral?
The funeral will be held on Saturday 26 April at St Peter's Square from 6pm AEST (10am Rome time).
The service is expected to last for about two and a half hours.
Vatican Media will host a live stream on YouTube and on its website. SBS will also stream the funeral via the new Euronews fast channel from 5pm to 9pm AEST. You can .
Dozens of leaders from around the world and hundreds of thousands of members of the public are expected to attend.
What happens at the pope's funeral?
The pope's funeral is typically steeped in tradition and ancient rituals, but before his death, Francis chose to simplify or opt out of some papal funeral traditions.
In 2023, Francis said he would like to be buried at Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, departing from the tradition of almost 100 popes who chose to be buried in the Vatican Grottoes. He is also expected to be buried in a single coffin, rather than the three traditionally used.
Pope Francis' body has been lying in state in the lead-up to his funeral on Saturday. Source: AAP / Emilio Morenatti/AP
He will lead prayers and Bible readings, and deliver the final commendation and valediction. Readings are expected to be held in a mixture of languages, including Latin, Italian and English.
The funeral will mark the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning.
Which Australians are attending the pope's funeral?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton will not be attending the funeral.
Albanese has confirmed Australia will be represented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn and the ambassador to the Vatican, Keith Pitt.
Trade Minister Don Farrell will also attend, along with Nationals MP Michael McCormack, who was nominated by Dutton to represent the Coalition.
Which other world leaders are attending the pope's funeral?
The Australian representatives will join leaders and royalty from around the world.
United States President Donald Trump, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all said they will attend.
Javier Milei, president of Argentina (where Francis was born), will also attend.
From the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William are both expected to attend.
Representing the European Union will be Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Council president António Costa, and Parliament president Roberta Metsola.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be attending, while the Kremlin has said Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend.
— Additional reporting by the Reuters news agency.
