Closing the casket with the pope’s body. It also took place differently than usual
The casket with Franciszek’s body was staged in the Basilica of St. Piotr on Wednesday, April 23 at 11:00. From that moment, the Vatican temple, almost constantly, accepted crowds of the faithful who wanted to pay homage to the Pope. Within three days of resting the coffin under the altar of the confession, over 130,000 people passed in prayer concentration with the main nave of the basilica.
Closing the casket with the pope’s body
The procedure, which particularly drew the attention of the media and pilgrims, was Setting Franciszek’s body in a casket – unlike the previous tradition, which predicted the display of corpses on a catafalque. This decision, as reported, flowed straight from the Pope’s personal recommendations and these are not the only changes he made in connection with his burial.
On Friday, after 20 o’clock, they were closed to the public Ring of the coffin closing. According to Franciszek’s directive, a cypress coffin, in which the body would rest, was not to be put into subsequent layers, as was done earlier, e.g. in the case of John Paul II. This time the body was secured In two internal coffins – zinc and wooden.
Details of the funeral ceremony
On Saturday, the funeral liturgy in front of the Basilica of St. Piotr will be hosted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the Cardinal College, who will also deliver a homily. Patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops and priest from around the world will take part in the ceremony. After the main mass Singing of the Litany to All Saints was planned, as well as prayers representing the tradition of Eastern Churches and the Song of the Responsorion.
Around noon The casket will be taken out of the square and placed on an open car. In a unique gesture, for the first time in over a hundred years, the papal funeral will take place outside the Vatican Basilica. Franciszek’s body will be transported through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Our Lady, which was particularly close to the deceased Pope.
Burial place
At the burial site of Franciszek People particularly close to his pontificate – poor and homeless people – will be waiting for the casket. The body will be introduced to the Paulińska Chapel, where the Pope repeatedly prayed before the icon of Our Lady of Salus Populi Romani. Just before the burial, the coffin with his photography will be set before this image – the symbolic last farewell to Mary will be broadcast for the faithful all over the world. However, the final body assembly ceremony in grave It will take place in a private group, without media relations.
The place of burial of the Pope, according to his will, is located Right at the Paulińska Chapel. Francis wanted his grave to be simple – in the ground, covered with a plate from Ligurian stone, on which it was engraved Only the name: « Franciscus ». From Sunday, April 27, the faithful will be able to visit this place in the Basilica of Our Lady, where the Pope from Rome will find his eternal rest. Earlier on the same day the cardinals will visit the tomb, praying for the peace of his soul.
Source: Vaticannews.va
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Vatican Media / Simone Risoluti / Reuters
The casket with the pope’s body was staged in the Basilica of St. Piotr.
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Vatican Media / Francesco Sforza / Reuters
The tribute paid him about 130,000 people.
