A photo of Pope Francis is draped with a black stole during a special mass in honor his honor ollowing the news of his passing at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle

Abbott’s order remains in effect until sunset Saturday, after Francis was buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

Meanwhile, ceremonies at the Vatican are expected to continue throughout Saturday as mourners continue to honor the late pontiff. 

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An estimated 250,000 people attended a public viewing while Francis’ body lay in an open casket at the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, according to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The relatively plain wooden coffin was sealed during a private ceremony Friday, prior to Saturday’s funeral that was attended by thousands.  

Saturday marked the beginning of a nine-day period of mourning, during which Catholics will honor the late pope during masses and other church gatherings. 

Following that period, the church will hold a papal conclave to determine who will lead the Holy See. The conclave must begin sometime between 15 to 20 days after a pope dies or resigns. 

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The papal conclave of electors, comprising 120 eligible Cardinals younger than 80, will hold a series of secret-ballot votes to determine who the next pope will be. 

April 26, 2025