The funeral liturgy of the late Pope Francis was held on the April 26th, per the official rites designated for the passing of a pope.
Presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, the Holy Mass and final farewell were conducted in the courtyard of St. Peter’s square, Vatican. After the final commendation and farewell message, the coffin bearing the body of Pope Francis was carried into the Basilica. Following the liturgy, the Pope’s body was taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
The ceremony was attended by senior Church leaders, cardinals, bishops, priests, religious sisters, and numerous faithful who prayed for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul. After his passing, the Pope’s body was placed at his residence, Casa Santa Marta. On the 23rd, it was solemnly brought to St. Peter’s Basilica through a special prayer procession.
As the coffin was carried, it was accompanied by candle-bearing acolytes and clergy, with the bells of the basilica tolling continuously. Cardinals and bishops followed the procession, and aides carried the coffin. Swiss Guards and Vatican personnel, also bearing candles, walked alongside in honor. More than 20,000 people welcomed the Pope’s body with continuous applause upon arrival at St. Peter’s Square.
A final liturgical rite was conducted on the 25th at 8 PM Italian time, where the coffin was sealed in the presence of Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo.
Pope Francis, who had lost part of his lung due to a respiratory illness at the age of 20 in 1957, had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 for treatment of bronchitis and stayed for 38 days. After returning to his residence, on Easter Sunday, he gave his final public blessing and the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting the faithful gathered in the square.
Over 50,000 pilgrims witnessed his message and received his final apostolic blessing.
