Pope Francis's funeral to be held on Saturday

Vatican says the funeral of Pope Francis, whose death aged 88 prompted an outpouring of grief among Catholics worldwide, will be held on Saturday.

Photos  of the late pontiff in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand, have been released.

Pope Francis, who spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year, died of a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure, doctors have said.

His successor will be chosen by the papal conclave, a gathering of cardinals younger than 80 years that will convene in two weeks

Vatican says the funeral of Pope Francis, whose death aged 88 prompted an outpouring of grief among Catholics worldwide, will be held on Saturday.

Photos  of the late pontiff in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand, have been released.

Pope Francis, who spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year, died of a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure, doctors have said.

His successor will be chosen by the papal conclave, a gathering of cardinals younger than 80 years that will convene in two weeks