Heads of state and royalty will start converging on Rome on Friday for the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, but the group of poor people who will meet his casket in a small crosstown basilica are more in keeping with Francis’ humble persona and disdain for pomp.

Advocates for Catholic clergy sexual abuse victims are criticising the appointment of a retired U.S. cardinal who has been accused of mishandling abuse cases to a ceremonial role in helping seal Pope Francis' casket and entomb his remains.