Pope Francis Farewell: Details of the transfer of the body and the grand funeral with the presence of world leaders.

In a majestic scene attracting thousands from around the world, today the body of Pope Francis is being transferred to St. Peter's Cathedral, where he will lie in an open casket amidst Latin hymns and the presence of senior cardinals, preparing to bid farewell to a wide audience before the scheduled funeral next Saturday. The late Pope, aged 88, passed away on Monday due to a stroke and heart failure, ending an era marked by clashes with conservatives and his continuous defense of the poor and marginalized. A grand procession will accompany the body from his residence in the Vatican, passing through the central door of the cathedral, allowing the public to pay their final respects until 7 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday morning, the funeral will be held outdoors in St. Peter's Square, led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, aged 91, in the presence of tens of thousands of mourners, including leaders from various countries. It is expected that U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania will attend, despite previous disagreements with the Pope on immigration issues. France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Ukraine, and several EU institutions, as well as Argentina - the Pope's homeland, have confirmed their participation in the farewell ceremonies. In an exceptional testament, Pope Francis defied the tradition of burying popes in St. Peter's Cathedral, opting to be buried in the Church of St. Mary Major in Rome, reflecting his distinctiveness even in death. With his passing, the countdown begins for the meeting of the College of Cardinals to select his successor, expected to take place between the 6th and 11th of May, with no prominent candidate emerging so far. In a notable development, the name of an Iraqi cardinal has emerged as one of the rare Middle Eastern names on the list of candidates, adding an international dimension to the papal succession issue. The world awaits the moment of decision, amidst global sorrow and a deep sense of loss for a religious figure who left a profound human and political impact.