Farewell to Pope Francis: Faithful gather at Vatican basilica
On Wednesday, there will be a solemn transfer of the coffin containing Pope Francis's body to Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The faithful will be able to pay their respects to the deceased until Friday.
Key information
- The coffin with Pope Francis's body will be moved to Saint Peter's Basilica.
- The ceremony will begin on Wednesday at 3:00 AM Eastern Time.
- The faithful will be able to pay their respects to the pope until Friday.
On Wednesday at 3:00 AM Eastern Time in Vatican City, the procession to transfer the coffin with Pope Francis's body from the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae to Saint Peter's Basilica began. The ceremony will be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who will preside over the prayer in the chapel.
Displaying the coffin in the basilica
After the procession, the coffin will be displayed in the basilica, where the faithful will be able to pay their respects to the deceased pope. The basilica will be open for visitors until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, and until 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday. Thousands of faithful from around the world are expected to attend.
Visit of world leaders
During the first congregation of cardinals, it was decided that the pope's funeral will take place on Saturday in Saint Peter's Square. The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. After the ceremony, the coffin will be transported to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Francis will be buried.
The funeral is expected to be attended by around 200,000 people, including 170 official delegations with world leaders. Among them will be U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The College of Cardinals has decided to suspend the planned beatification ceremonies until the new pope's decision is made. Cardinals Stanisław Ryłko, Pietro Parolin, and Fabio Baggio will assist in the preparations for the funeral.
