[WATCH] World will bid farewell to Pope Francis

JOHANNESBURG - The world will on Saturday bid farewell to the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics.

The funeral mass of Pope Francis will be held at St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and is expected to draw thousands of mourners.

Among them are world leaders and pilgrims, among others. The Pope died on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke.

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It's a ceremony that will be steeped in tradition and prayer.

Throughout the week, the world has hailed Pope Francis for challenging world leaders over wars that have killed thousands, being a champion for social justice and a humble leader who put mercy at the centre of all his teachings.

This will also feature strongly at his final service on Saturday, as thousands unite in grief and gratitude.

Cardinals, clergy, and the faithful alike will see the final chapter of a 12-year papacy that shared a different face of the church and celebrate the Vicar of Christ who dedicated his life in service to the lord and his people.