Most of the funeral will be celebrated in Latin, and there will be incense and hymns and Gregorian chants. Attended by dozens of heads of state, monarchs and other dignitaries, it will be, in any case, a spectacle. And at the center of it all will be Francis’ simple coffin, on the esplanade of St. Peter’s Basilica.

During his visit to Italy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with potential successors to Pope Francis. He expressed his condolences for the Pope's death and expressed gratitude to the Vatican for its ongoing support of Ukraine.