In a service that he intentionally simplified, Pope Francis, the meek pontiff whose acts of inclusiveness, modesty, and mercy reverberated throughout his 12-year papacy, will be laid to rest on Saturday.
The funeral, which commenced in the bright sunshine at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) and is being conducted primarily outdoors, drew tens of thousands of mourners to St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican overnight into Saturday. Officials anticipated that approximately 200,000 individuals, including numerous world leaders and dignitaries, would attend.
After Francis’ wooden, unadorned coffin, which was ornamented with a large cross, was carried into the square by white-gloved pallbearers, the Mass commenced with readings from the Scripture. Bells tolled as applause reverberated throughout the audience.
To reserve a location, a few bereaved had established a camp. Maria Fierro of Spain stated, “We have been anticipating this moment for the entirety of the evening.” “It is extremely emotional to be present for Francis during his final moments.”
James Mary, a Franciscan nun, stated that she had been awake for the entire night. We wish to bid him farewell, as he was a living prophet, characterised by his humility and simplicity.
Francis, the leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke, just weeks after recovering from respiratory afflictions. The frail but resolute pope, who was frequently referred to as “the people’s pope” and advocated for the impoverished and marginalised, delighted audiences with an impromptu popemobile excursion into St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
The Argentine pontiff, who faced opposition from Catholic Church traditionalists who opposed his reforms, was renowned for his warm demeanour and his unwillingness to embrace any form of grandeur: Living in a guesthouse in the Vatican, utilising public transportation, and donning plain white cassocks. He navigated the nation’s capital in a diminutive black Fiat during his 2015 visit to the United States.
Francis, who reduced the regulations for papal funeral rituals a year ago, ensured that his own service and burial embodied the same message of simplicity, defying tradition even in death.
What is the location of Pope Francis’ burial?
The funeral service of Pope Francis is anticipated to last 90 minutes, in contrast to the three-hour service of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
Francis requested to be interred in the funerary niche between the Sforza Chapel and the Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, which are situated within the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, rather than in the Grotto at St. Peter’s Basilica, in his final testament. He is the first pontiff to be laid to rest outside the Vatican in nearly a century.
Additionally, the pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, requested a “simple” burial. “The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus,” it states.
Francis was particularly fond of St. Mary Major due to his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He conducted prayers there both prior to and following numerous overseas excursions.
What type of casket is Francis being interred in?
Pope Francis’ coffin also defies papal tradition. His coffin will be wooden and lined with zinc, rather than being interred in three coffins, each of which is constructed from cypress, lead, and elm and set inside the other.
The shape of the sarcophagus is reminiscent of a tapered hexagonal box. It is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, approximating a human body.
What security measures are in place for the funeral of the Pope?
The security operation in and around Vatican City is currently in full motion.
Thousands of individuals from around the world have travelled to Rome to offer their respects, and the funeral has brought together dozens of world leaders.
Around 2,000 local police officers are currently on duty at the interment of Pope Francis. They are supplemented by thousands of additional officers from the national security forces. Security measures consist of drones, snipers, and surveillance along the Tiber.
Who is the celebrant of Pope Francis’ funeral liturgy today?
The Vatican has announced that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass, which will be attended by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the world.
In a highly confidential ceremony known as a papal conclave, the College of Cardinals determines the next pontiff. Re is one of the most prominent figures in the church in his capacity as dean. He has been employed in the Roman curia for five decades, which are the church’s administrative institutions.
Re is described as possessing a “efficient approach to issues and conflicts” and a “affable manner” in a biography on the College of Cardinals website.
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