Cardinals are set to convene on Tuesday to begin preparations for Pope Francis' funeral, following his sudden death on Monday, and to initiate the transition toward electing the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away unexpectedly after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican announced on Monday. His death marks the end of a historic and often controversial papacy defined by efforts to reform the Church, confront global inequality, and challenge long-standing traditionalist views.

The pontiff, who had recently returned to the Vatican after a prolonged hospital stay for double pneumonia, appeared in good spirits during his last public appearance on Easter Sunday in St. Peter's Square. His sudden passing triggered the Vatican's centuries-old protocols, including the symbolic destruction of his “Fisherman’s Ring” and papal seal to prevent misuse.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti led prayers for the late pontiff in St. Peter’s Square, calling him “a pilgrim of hope” and giving thanks for his ministry. The Vatican has invited all cardinals currently in Rome to meet at 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Tuesday to finalize arrangements for the funeral, which is expected to take place between Friday and Sunday.

World leaders are preparing to attend the ceremony. U.S. President Donald Trump, who often clashed with Pope Francis over issues such as immigration, confirmed that he and the First Lady would travel to Rome. Argentine President Javier Milei, representing Francis’ homeland, is also expected to be present.

In a notable departure from papal tradition, Pope Francis requested in his final testament that he be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome rather than in St. Peter’s Basilica, where most of his predecessors lie.

The College of Cardinals will also begin overseeing the interim governance of the Church. According to tradition, a conclave to elect a new pope is typically held 15 to 20 days following the death of a pontiff, suggesting that voting will not commence before May 6. Approximately 135 cardinals are eligible to participate in the secretive process, which can take several days to complete.

As the Church mourns the passing of a transformative and often divisive figure, attention now turns to the future leadership of its 1.4 billion members worldwide.

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