Pope Francis' coffin was sealed in a private ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica, marking a significant moment following his death. The ceremony, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, included the reading of a document summarizing the Pope's life and ministry. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, with Cardinal Re presiding over the Mass. Following the Mass, the coffin will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial, with a group of the poor, homeless, prisoners, migrants, and transgender individuals paying their last respects.
10 days ago
On Friday, April 25, 2025, Pope Francis's coffin was sealed in a private ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the end of public viewing where an estimated 250,000 mourners paid their respects 1 2 4 7. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, presided over the Rite of Sealing 1 3 5. The ceremony, attended by cardinals and Pope Francis's relatives, followed the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis," simplified by Pope Francis in 2024 3 7.
During the rite, Archbishop Diego Ravelli read the "rogito," a document summarizing Pope Francis's life and papacy 3 4. A white silk veil was placed over the Pope's face, and holy water was sprinkled on his body 1 3 4 7. A bag of coins minted during his pontificate and a metal tube containing a copy of the "rogito" were placed inside the zinc-lined wooden coffin 1 3 4 7.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis was held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square 2 5 10. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Mass 2 10. Approximately 250 cardinals, along with numerous bishops, priests, and religious figures, attended the service 10. Delegations from at least 130 countries, including reigning monarchs and heads of state, were also present 2 10.
The Mass included readings from the Acts of the Apostles, the Letter of Saint Paul to the Pharisees, and the Gospel of John 10. The Sistine Chapel choir performed during the Mass 10. Following the Mass, special prayers were offered for the late Pope 2.
Following the funeral Mass, Pope Francis's coffin was transported to the Basilica of St. Mary Major 2 4 10. The procession covered approximately four kilometers through the streets of Rome 2 10. This route was significant as it was a path Pope Francis often took to pray before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani 10.
The funeral hearse traveled "at walking pace" along the ancient Papal Way, a route not used for a papal funeral procession since 1924 2. The procession passed through the Perugino Gate, down the Via della Conciliazione, and along the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II, before arriving at St. Mary Major 2. The burial took place privately 4 10.
Upon arriving at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the coffin was welcomed by a group of approximately 40 poor and marginalized people, including migrants, prisoners, the homeless, and transgender individuals 2 11. This was in line with Pope Francis's wishes and reflected his deep connection to the "least" in society 2 11. Bishop Benoni Ambarus noted that Pope Francis chose the name Francis to never forget the poor 11. Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis supported prisoners and the needy through financial contributions and other concrete actions 11.
This request describes the death of Pope Francis and asks about the sealing of his coffin and the scheduling of his funeral for Saturday. I will provide information on the traditional practices and procedures that occur after the death of a Pope, based on the provided Catholic sources.
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Upon the death of the Pope, several immediate actions are taken. The Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church must officially ascertain the Pope's death in the presence of the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, the Cleric Prelates of the Apostolic Camera, and the Secretary and Chancellor of the same, who will draw up the official death certificate . The Camerlengo then places seals on the Pope's study and bedroom, ensuring that the private apartment remains sealed until after the burial . The Cardinal Vicar for Rome is notified of the Pope's death, who then informs the people of Rome . The Camerlengo also takes possession of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, as well as the Palaces of the Lateran and Castel Gandolfo, and oversees their custody and administration .
The Cardinals are to celebrate funeral rites for the Pope for nine consecutive days, following the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis . These rites are observed faithfully along with the norms of the Ordo Rituum Conclavis . Matters concerning the Pope's burial are determined by the Camerlengo after consulting with the heads of the three Orders of Cardinals, unless the Pope had previously expressed his wishes . If the Pope dies outside Rome, the College of Cardinals is responsible for arranging the dignified transfer of the body to the Basilica of Saint Peter's in the Vatican . If the burial occurs in the Vatican Basilica, the official document is drawn up by the Notary of the Chapter of the Basilica or by the Canon Archivist . A delegate of the Cardinal Camerlengo and a delegate of the Prefect of the Papal Household will also draw up separate documents certifying the burial .
Following the death of the Pope, solemn exequies are celebrated by the clergy and people in all cities and important places . Every day, until news arrives that the Church has a new Pope, prayers are offered for the Cardinals, that they may be united in their choice . The funeral rites are to be celebrated according to the prescribed ritual, and on the fifteenth day after the Pope's death (or no later than the twentieth), the Cardinal electors meet in the Basilica of Saint Peter's in the Vatican to participate in a solemn Eucharistic celebration with the Votive Mass Pro Eligendo Papa . This Mass preferably takes place in the morning, so that the election can begin in the afternoon .
In summary, the death of the Pope initiates a series of well-defined procedures, including the verification of death, sealing of papal apartments, celebration of funeral rites, and preparations for the conclave. These traditions ensure the proper administration of the Church during the vacancy of the Apostolic See and the reverent mourning of the deceased Pontiff.