Most of the funeral will be celebrated in Latin, and there will be incense and hymns and Gregorian chants. Attended by dozens of heads of state, monarchs and other dignitaries, it will be, in any case, a spectacle. And at the center of it all will be Francis’ simple coffin, on the esplanade of St. Peter’s Basilica.

A group of nearly 200 prominent New York-area Catholics traveling in Rome this week were hoping to meet Pope Francis — never guessing they would be on hand to pay their final respects instead. After months of planning,

Eyewitness News anchor Mike Marza has been in Rome since the passing of Pope Francis. He covered the funeral mass at St. Peter's Square and the procession from outside the basilica across town, where he will be buried.