The world, the country and the tri-state are paying tribute to the late leader of the Catholic Church. As parishioners gathered at NYC-area churches for prayers and to reflect on the life of Pope Francis, federal and state flags were ordered to fly at half-staff. Here is the latest on plans to honor the Holy Father and what was learned about his cause of death. NBC New York’s Erica Byfield, Charles Watson and Pei-Sze Cheng have team coverage.
The Vatican has released the first images of Pope Francis, showing him in his casket with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him.
Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history's first Latin American pontiff.
The cardinals met Tuesday in the Vatican's synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis' successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10.
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WATCH HEREThe cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. U.S. President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.
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