Vatican announces details of the Pope's nine-day mourning period

On Wednesday evening, the Vatican published further details on the nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis. According to tradition, the so-called "Novemdiales" will begin with the funeral on Saturday, during which daily memorial masses will be held until 4 May. This is according to a statement from the papal master of ceremonies Diego Ravelli. The masses, which are open to all, are organised each day by a different group that was close to Francis.

Meanwhile, more than 20,000 people have already paid their last respects to the deceased in the first few hours since the Pope was laid to rest in St Peter's Basilica. The faithful will also be able to bid farewell to Francis at his coffin on Thursday and Friday.

Requiem on Saturday

The "Novemdiales" begin with the Requiem Mass on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St Peter's Square, which will be presided over by Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re. Former Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin will preside at the Mass on Sunday at 10.30 a.m. in the same place. The other celebrations - with different celebrants - will take place at 5 pm in St Peter's Basilica.

According to the statutes, the conclave in which a new pope is elected should begin between the 15th and 21st day after the death of the predecessor. This would be the case from Monday, 5 May. Francis died on Easter Monday, 21 April, at the age of 88. (KNA)