The first congregation of the Cardinals met on Tuesday morning, to plan the service for the Pope, who died aged 88 on Easter Monday.
A date has been set by Vatican officials for the burial of Pope Francis.
The decision was reached after a meeting that took place less than 24 hours following his death.
The first congregation of the Cardinals met on Tuesday morning, to plan the service for the Pope, who died aged 88 on Easter Monday.
The congregation, summoned by Deacon of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Batista Re, met at 9am local time (8am BST).
They have now announced the funeral date as this Saturday, April 26, in the first of a series of “general congregations”.
Before the funeral takes place at 10am local time (9am BST), Pope Francis’ body will be moved from the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae to St Peter’s Basilica.
It will remain at the Basilica for three days for the public to pay their last respects to the late Catholic Church leader.
The Vatican have said the transfer could take place as early as Wednesday morning before the funeral this weekend.