The basilica will be kept open until at least midnight on Thursday to allow the faithful to mourn. Francis' funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) in St. Peter’s Square, after which the Vatican press office is expected to release details of the conclave that will elect the next pontiff.

A conclave to choose a new pope normally takes place 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff, meaning this conclave should not start before May 6.

As of Thursday evening, about 90,000 people have visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay homage to Pope Francis, the Vatican press office said. People will be able to pay their respects to Francis through Friday.