The Vatican held a solemn private ceremony Friday night (early Saturday morning in the Philippines) to seal Pope Francis’ coffin ahead of his funeral rites.
Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell presided over the rite at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by members of the late pope’s family and Vatican officials. This ceremony concluded three days of public viewing that drew thousands of mourners from around the world.
Following tradition, a white silk veil was placed over Pope Francis’ face, and a bag containing coins and medals minted during his 12-year papacy was placed inside the wooden coffin.
After the sealing, the Chapter of St. Peter began an overnight prayer vigil by the coffin, leading up to the funeral scheduled for Saturday morning (Vatican time) at St. Peter’s Square.
The funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. (4 p.m. Philippine time), introduced by a Latin hymn. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will deliver the homily, joined by 220 cardinals, 750 bishops and priests, and over 4,000 other clergy celebrating the Mass.
An estimated 200,000 people are expected to attend, with around 50 world leaders confirmed, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Pope Francis, who passed away Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — fulfilling his wish. He will be the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican.
The funeral procession, spanning about 5.5 kilometers, will pass several of Rome’s iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, before reaching the basilica. A group of poor and marginalized individuals, representing those Pope Francis championed throughout his life, will be present to honor him.
While the burial will be private, the public will later be allowed to visit the pope’s tomb, simply inscribed with “Franciscus.”
This funeral marks the start of a nine-day mourning period for the global Catholic community.