Most of the funeral will be celebrated in Latin, and there will be incense and hymns and Gregorian chants. Attended by dozens of heads of state, monarchs and other dignitaries, it will be, in any case, a spectacle. And at the center of it all will be Francis’ simple coffin, on the esplanade of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The public funeral Mass is being held in front of St. Peter's Basilica, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presiding. The funeral will be less formal than other papal funerals, with Francis having made changes last year around the process, including the use of a modest wooden coffin.