The Sri Lankan Government has decided to declare tomorrow (26) a National Day of Mourning in view of Pope Francis’ funeral, the Ministry of Public Administration announced.

Pope Francis’ funeral has been scheduled for tomorrow in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican announced following a meeting of the College of Cardinals at the Catholic Church’s City-State headquarters in the heart of Rome, Italy. 

The coffin carrying the Pope, who died Monday morning (21) after suffering a stroke and heart failure at the age of 88, was brought in a procession on Wednesday morning (23) to the basilica from his residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he died.

The late Pontiff will lie in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica for three days ahead of his funeral, with the faithful processing up to his wooden coffin to pay their respects.