Ahead of the Pope Francis’ funeral to be held this Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, Italian government has declared a five-day period of national mourning, with flags in front of public buildings to be flown at half-mast.

Strict security measures are in place in the Italian capital ahead of the funeral services and burial on Saturday, as world leaders are expected to attend,

The late Pope’s coffin — which he previously ordered should be of wood and zinc — will then be taken inside the church and from there to the Rome basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.

The conclave to get his replacement should begin no less than 15 and no more than 20 days after the death of the pope.

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