Pope transformed the church’s senior leadership, exposing growing differences over teachings. “Once you start opening the door, then there is confusion and also ambiguity in the doctrines,” says one cardinal.

Before mourners in their thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square to grieve, before leaders from around the world arrive to pay their respects, and long before cardinals cloister themselves to consider the future, the Vatican holds a small ceremony when a pope dies.

Faithful followers and world leaders will attend the funeral for Pope Francis in Vatican City on Saturday. Francis, 88, died on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said, ending a reign in which he repeatedly clashed with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalized.