Live updates: The funeral of Pope Francis
Photo:
AFP / LUIS ROBAYO
More than 200,000 people are expected in St Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.
The 266th pope
died at the Vatican of a stroke and heart failure, following a long illness, on Easter Monday
. He had reigned for 12 years.
The funeral Mass is due to start at 8pm New Zealand time, with a choir singing introductory rites in Latin. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will deliver the homily and lead the Mass, which is expected to be con-celebrated by 220 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests near the altar, and more than 4000 other priests con-celebrating in the square.
New Zealand will be represented by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Cardinal John Dew, who will stay on to attend the Conclave to elect a new Pope.
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