The 88-year-old pope died on Monday after facing long-standing health issues and double pneumonia.
As Pope Francis is laid to rest in St. Peter’s Square, millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike are expected to tune in to watch the celebration of his life on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pope died on Monday after facing long-standing health issues and double pneumonia.
Catholics are grieving the loss of Pope Francis, who advocated for the poor and fostered an unorthodox but overall more accepting viewpoint toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Many of Francis‘ moves as pope were seen as more liberal in nature. He was the first to appoint a woman to lead an administrative Vatican office, although he continued to say that all priests should be men. Women could also join the body that selects bishops for the first time under his leadership.
In 2023, he told the Associated Press that homosexuality is a sin, but not a crime. And he also formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, sparking a backlash from conservatives.
While the pope’s body is currently residing at St. Peter’s Basilica, his funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square.
Keep in mind, the Vatican time is six hours ahead of ET, so you’ll need to tune in at 4 a.
