Pope Francis to lie in state until funeral on Saturday morning, Vatican says

Pope Francis' funeral will be held in front of St Peter's Basilica from 10am local time (4am ET) Saturday, the Vatican announced as cardinals met for the first time since 'his death to finalize arrangements.The big picture: The Vatican released on Tuesday the first images of the late leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics in an open casket with a rosary placed in his hand in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his papal home for the past 12 years until his death on Easter Monday at age 88.The cardinals decided during their Vatican City meeting that Francis' body will be taken to St. Peter's Basilica at 9am Wednesday local time to lie in state until his funeral, per Vatican statements.This will "allow all the faithful to pay their respects," the Vatican said.More from Axios:In photos: Pope Francis mourned worldwideHere's how the Catholic Church will choose a new popePope Francis picked 80% of cardinals who'll elect his successorRead: Pope's wishes to be laid to rest in a "simple" tomb in RomeEditor's note: This a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Pope Francis' funeral will be held in front of St Peter's Basilica from 10am local time (4am ET) Saturday, the Vatican announced as cardinals met for the first time since 'his death to finalize arrangements.The big picture: The Vatican released on Tuesday the first images of the late leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics in an open casket with a rosary placed in his hand in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his papal home for the past 12 years until his death on Easter Monday at age 88.

The cardinals decided during their Vatican City meeting that Francis' body will be taken to St. Peter's Basilica at 9am Wednesday local time to lie in state until his funeral, per Vatican statements.This will "allow all the faithful to pay their respects," the Vatican said.

More from Axios:In photos: Pope Francis mourned worldwideHere's how the Catholic Church will choose a new popePope Francis picked 80% of cardinals who'll elect his successorRead: Pope's wishes to be laid to rest in a "simple" tomb in RomeEditor's note: This a breaking news story. Please check back for updates..