The Vatican has shared some details revealing the ceremony of closing Pope Francis’ coffin.
The public will pay their last respect to Pope Francis as he lies in state until 19:00 local time Friday, when the process of closing the coffin will begin.
At 20:00 the rite of the closing of the coffin will take place at St Peter’s Basilica led by Cardinal in presence of Kevin Farrell, the “camerlengo” – the man who’ll be running the Vatican until a new Pope is elected.
The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will also attend. He’ll be leading the funeral service on Saturday and then convene the conclave to select Francis’s successor.
Pope Francis’s body is still lying in state for the second day in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
As the sun beats down on St Peter’s Square, there’s a sea of umbrellas as pilgrims try to keep cool under the relentless sun.
Crowds are streaming in on both sides of the square, in calm and orderly queues to see Pope Francis lying in state in the basilica.
Crowds of mourners have been slowly filing past the coffin, which is lying in front of the Papal Altar until his funeral on Saturday.
The basilica – which was supposed to close at midnight – has remained open all night so that a large crowd gathered on the square had a chance to pay their respects.
Despite the crowds, it is strikingly quiet and solemn inside.
Rome and the Vatican have stepped up security measures to deal with the huge numbers of people expected this weekend – as well as dozens of heads of state and royals.
At least 250,000 people are expected to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.
At least 100 delegates from around the world are also set to attend the ceremony and security is expected to tight.
Pope Francis 88, died of a stroke and subsequent heart failure, at his apartment at Casa Santa Marta on Monday 21st April 2025 on the celebration of Easter Monday, according to the Vatican.
By Radio Sapientia
24th April 2025
End
