Vatican recounts Pope Francis' final hours as cardinals set funeral for Saturday

The first so-called 'general congregation' following Francis's death, which signals the start of a centuries-old tradition, has determined that public viewing of the pontiff will begin on Wednesday in St Peter's Basilica ahead of Saturday's funeral.

Pope Francis's body is laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican. Picture: Vatican Media/AP

Welcome to our rolling coverage of Pope Francis’ death after a 12-year pontificate that shook up the Catholic Church while challenging traditional teachings on topics from divorce to homosexuality. His death at 88 came after Francis spent weeks in the hospital this year to treat a serious bout of pneumonia.