Saturday’s funeral will kick off the traditional Novendiales, nine consecutive days of mourning for the suffrage of the late pope. He will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Mourners are gathering in Vatican City and lining the streets of Rome to give a final send-off to Pope Francis, who will be remembered as a champion of the poor and for his efforts to reshape the Catholic Church.

The Vatican is celebrating Easter without Pope Francis presiding. VATICAN CITY — The Vatican celebrated Easter on Sunday without Pope Francis presiding, as the 88-year-old pontiff continues his recovery from a near-fatal bout of double pneumonia.