Pope Francis' funeral date confirmed as the Vatican releases plans

The date and time for the funeral of Pope Francis has been confirmed by the Vatican.

Cardinals today (22 April) met to discuss details of the late pope's funeral, and it has been confirmed that it will be held at 10am local time on Saturday (26 April).

That will make it 9am UK time when Pope Francis' funeral begins, and as per his final request there will be some breaks from tradition to the usual ceremony involved with burying him.

The date of a papal funeral is supposed to be held between four and six days after death, meaning that the three options on the table were between Friday 25 and Sunday 27 April and they've picked the one in the middle.

Catholics traditionally observe a nine day period of mourning for the pope following his death, which is known as the Novendiale.

Pope Francis has died, and his funeral date is set for Saturday (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

A statement released yesterday (21 April) confirmed that Pope Francis had died that morning, just a day after he'd appeared before crowds for Easter Sunday.

The Vatican said: "At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune."

According to the late pope's final wishes, he would like to forego the usual papal tradition of being buried beneath St Peter's Basilica within three coffins.

Pilgrims in the Vatican following the Pope's death (ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)

Instead, he has asked to be placed within just one coffin and buried within Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus," as per his final request.

Pope Francis had dictated his final request back in 2022, and his words open with him saying he could 'sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life'.

A papal funeral is a major event and world leaders are expected to attend on Saturday.

Official mourning will follow the funeral, and afterwards Cardinals under the age of 80 will convene to form a conclave of 120 electors who will choose the next pope.

With no current pope, the Catholic church is in a period known as 'the vacant See' which will end when the white smoke is released to announce a new pope.