President among Irish representatives to attend Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday

Cardinals have begun meeting in Rome this morning for the first time since the pope's death to confirm the details of his funeral

The funeral of the late Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, with his body going on public display from Wednesday for mourners to pay their respects.

The news came as the first images of the late pontiff were published.

The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, was pictured lying in a wooden coffin dressed in red, with rosary beads draped across his hands.

It has been confirmed that Francis’s body will be on display for the public to pay their respects in St Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday morning.

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

Details of Francis’s funeral have also been confirmed, with mass to take place at 10am local time on Saturday, celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals.

President Michael D Higgins is set to lead Ireland's representatives at Pope Francis's funeral, alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris. The three political leaders are due to travel to the Vatican for the service, alongside Mr Higgins' wife, Sabina Higgins.

They will be among the scores of world leaders and dignitaries to attend the funeral this weekend.

President Higgins said Francis had “unfinished business” and that he hopes the next pope will build on the steps he was able to take during his tenure.

The President signed a book of condolences on behalf of the Irish people earlier on Tuesday.

“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I thank Pope Francis for both his life and his work and his example on embracing so many of the most important issues,” Mr Higgins said.

“Issues as to the future of our humanity together, in relation to climate change, in relation to global poverty, in relation to his particular interest in the welfare of migrants.” 

He recalled his previous discussions with Pope Francis, having met him on five separate occasions.

“I thought of the times we have met and the discussions we had, his ability to embrace the suffering, particularly those who are marginalised. I noted in the way his vision was wider than many people in politics and public life.

A picture of Pope Francis on display in Westminster Cathedral in Victoria, London, following the announcement by the Vatican of his death aged 88 (James Manning/PA)

The President said Pope Francis would have wanted the world to push on the emphasis on peace, sustainability and “above all else, rights”.

“We were very fortunate in having such a wonderful Pope,” Mr Higgins said.

Mr Higgins added his attendance at Francis’s funeral would allow him to communicate the Irish public's appreciation for the “generosity of his life”, which he gave until his final moments.

“For that reason, I will miss very, very much the statements, all of those documents, which were documents of inclusion. I did say, as well, there was unfinished business that I hope that those who follow him will build on the steps he was able to take.

“I remember, as we finished in some of the conversations, he would say that before asking for prayer and offer, he would say, it’s very difficult.”

Francis died after a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said.

Tributes poured in from around the world on Monday, with many praising the Pope for his advocacy for the marginalised.

Pope Francis' death starts a centuries-old ritual, where first the camerlengo, Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, certifies Pope Francis’s death and seals the papal apartment.

Cardinal Farrell – the camerlengo or senior Vatican official – will carry out the administrative and financial duties of the Holy See until a new pope takes over.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell will carry out administrative duties until a new pope takes over (Niall Carson/PA)

Before 120 cardinals, senior members of the Catholic Church, convene in the Sistine Chapel for the conclave – the secret meeting at which a new pope will be elected – the Church enters a period called “sede vacante”, or “the vacant See”.

Following the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, with the conclave required to begin 15 to 20 days after the sede vacante is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.

The Pope’s body will remain in the chapel for a few days before being brought for public viewing in St Peter’s Basilica, as per new rites Francis approved last year.

The public will likely be able to begin paying their final respects to Francis starting on Wednesday, the Vatican said.

The funeral date, confirmed now for Saturday, must be held between four and six days after the death.

Mourners lit candles at Westminster Cathedral in London on Monday (James Manning/PA)

US President Donald Trump said on social media he and his wife Melania plan to attend the funeral.

After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali”.

To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the sede vacante is declared, but it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.

Cardinals will then take part in the vote for the next pope.

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe (left) and Cardinal Vincent Nichols during a press conference in the Throne Room of Archbishop’s House, central London, on Monday (James Manning/PA)

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in a conclave – they are known as the cardinal electors and their number is limited to 120.