Heads of state and royalty will start converging on Rome on Friday for the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, but the group of poor people who will meet his casket in a small crosstown basilica are more in keeping with Francis’ humble persona and disdain for pomp.

At the end of the funeral, a procession will see the pope's coffin being taken from the enclave and through central Rome to the Saint Mary Major Basilica, his final resting place. The two basilicas are approximately 3.3 miles apart.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The late pontiff's funeral will take place on Saturday, with large crowds expected in attendance. View on euronews