Following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Monday, cardinals convened on Tuesday morning to begin the formal process of setting a date for his funeral and preparing for the election of his successor. This marks the start of the traditional papal transition, known as the general congregation, in which cardinals from across the globe participate. Only those under 80 years old will later enter the conclave to elect the next pope.

Tributes have poured in from around the world for Pope Francis, who served for 12 years and was known for his progressive views and commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and migrant rights. His body was moved to the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where he lived and died, and was seen in an open coffin wearing red papal vestments with a rosary in hand. The Vatican plans to transfer his remains to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday for public viewing.

According to the Apostolic Constitution, the funeral should take place within four to six days of his death, making it likely to occur between Friday and Sunday. The final date will be decided by the cardinals. Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome—making him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. His tomb will be simple and unadorned, in keeping with his modest lifestyle.

World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have confirmed their attendance at the funeral. Argentina declared a week of national mourning, while India announced three days of mourning in his honor—an extraordinary tribute for a foreign religious figure.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first Jesuit and first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. He was a reform-minded pope who challenged traditional norms and worked to modernize the Church’s governance. Despite declining health in recent months, he continued public engagements, even appearing visibly tired during Easter celebrations just a day before his death. His death certificate cited a stroke and resulting irreversible heart failure.