Pope Francis' funeral Saturday, conclave after May 6

AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS

Pope Francis' funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, the Vatican said.

Vatican cardinals are due to meet today to plan the funeral of Pope Francis, which will be attended by leaders from around the world, ahead of next month's conclave to elect a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis died yesterday at the age of 89 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said, ending an often turbulent reign during which he repeatedly clashed with traditionalists but also strongly supported the poor and marginalized.

His death has set in motion ancient rituals as the 1.4 billion-member Church begins a transition from one pope to another, including breaking the pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and seal to ensure no one else can use them.

"We want to thank the Lord for the gifts he has given to the entire Church through the apostolic ministry of Pope Francis, the pilgrim of hope," said Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, who led prayers in St. Peter's Square on Monday night.

All cardinals currently in Rome have been invited to gather at the Vatican, where they are expected to make funeral plans.

US President Donald Trump, who has clashed with the pope on several occasions over immigration, said he and his wife would travel to Rome for the event. Other dignitaries attending will include Javier Millei, the president of the pope's home country, Argentina.

In a break with tradition, Pope Francis expressed his wish to be buried in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary the Great rather than St. Peter's in his last will and testament, published Monday.

The assembled cardinals will also consider the day-to-day governance of the Church in the period before the election of a new pope.

The conclave to elect a new pope usually takes place 15 to 20 days after the death of the head, meaning it won't begin until May 6. About 135 cardinals have the right to participate in this extremely secret vote, which can last several days.

At the moment, there is no clear favorite to succeed Pope Francis.