The Latest Breaking News from Vatican

Watch live as Pope Francis’ coffin lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica for public viewings from Wednesday, 23 April.

Ahead of his lying-in-state, Pope Francis's body was made ready to withstand Rome's warm spring weather with a temporary embalming and a touch of make-up, an expert said. The body of the 88-year-old, who died on Monday, will be on display for three days in Saint Peter's Basilica from Wednesday…

Last November, Pope Francis reformed the rites to be used for his funeral, simplifying them to emphasise his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican.

The late pope broke from tradition with a burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Prince William will represent his father King Charles and the British royal family at Pope Francis' funeral.

Kevin Farrell rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to be made camerlengo by Pope Francis, whose death has thrust him into the global spotlight

The funeral started at 9am UK time in St Peter’s Square after a three-day-period of lying in state where the public can pay tribute to the Pope

In the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta residence, where Pope Francis lived and died, a nun prayed Tuesday with tears in her eyes before the pontiff's wooden coffin.

The major contenders hail from Italy, the Philippines, Hungary, and Ghana.