Pope Francis funeral: President Sandu to attend
President Maia Sandu will attend the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, the presidency announced in a statement.
"On behalf of all citizens, the head of state will pay tribute to the late Supreme Pontiff, who dedicated his life to promoting compassion and equity, as well as solidarity between people and nations," the statement said.
According to French broadcaster BFMTV, cardinals have decided that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held on April 26, starting at 10:00 a.m. (local time, 11:00 a.m. Moldova time). The ceremony will take place at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and will bring together political leaders, religious dignitaries, and thousands of faithful from around the world.
The body of Pope Francis is currently in the chapel of his residence at Casa Santa Marta, and will be transferred on Wednesday morning to St. Peter's Basilica, where it will lie in state.
Pope Francis died on Monday morning, April 21, at 7:35 a.m., at his residence in Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
