In a solemn private rite on Friday night, Pope Francis’ wooden coffin was officially sealed, concluding three days of public mourning during which around 250,000 mourners paid tribute inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
The intimate ceremony, closed to the public, was led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Dublin-born former Bishop of Dallas who now serves as Camerlengo, overseeing the arrangements for the pope’s burial. Alongside him were senior clergy from Venezuela and Brazil, the late pope’s secretaries, and several family members.
A statement from the Vatican detailed the spiritual elements of the rite, which included hymns, prayers, and a moment of silence. In accordance with tradition, a white silk veil was placed over Pope Francis’ face, and holy water was sprinkled over the body. Cardinal Farrell also placed symbolic items into the coffin: the pope’s pallium, commemorative coins from his pontificate, and a document summarizing the highlights of his papal service.
Notably, Pope Francis requested simplified funeral rites. His body was placed in a single wooden coffin, foregoing the traditional triple caskets of cypress, lead, and oak used in previous papal funerals.
As the basilica closed to the public at 7 p.m. local time, the Vatican noted that the Chapter of St. Peter’s would maintain a prayer vigil throughout the night ahead of Saturday’s funeral Mass.
Outside, thousands gathered in long lines on Friday, which coincided with Italy’s national Liberation Day, a public holiday. Many came from afar to honor the first pope from Latin America and the Jesuit order.
“It was very peaceful — calm,” said Joana Veiga from Porto, Portugal, who visited with her sister. “We’re so thankful to have seen him.”
Pope Francis’ funeral will take place Saturday at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica. The service will begin the Novendiales, a centuries-old tradition of nine days of mourning with daily Masses in remembrance of the deceased pope.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)