After more than five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia, doctors advised Pope Francis to take two months of rest. However, the Holy Father chose to be among the faithful until his final days. 

For many it was a surprise when former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped out onto the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013. His clothes had changed… as had his name.

Among Peter's 265 successors, 30 have been buried outside of the Vatican. Pope Francis will also be buried outside the Vatican, in St. Mary Major's Basilica.

Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed in a liturgical rite this evening ahead of his solemn funeral, set to take place the next morning on Saturday, April 26.

The College of Cardinals saw a significant increase in attendance at Wednesday's General Congregation, with 103 cardinals now present in Rome — nearly double the approximately 60 who participated in Tuesday's initial gathering.