On the eve of Pope Francis’ funeral Mass, his coffin has been solemnly sealed, marking a poignant moment in the history of the Catholic Church. The beloved Pope had been lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica since Wednesday, allowing the faithful to pay their last respects. Over the past three days, an estimated 250,000 visitors streamed through the historic site, creating a profound atmosphere of mourning and reflection.
The late Pope's body lay in state in front of the Confessio altar, resting in a wooden coffin. He was adorned with a red chasuble, a white mitre, and a rosary clasped in his hands. Notably, the coffin was placed directly on the ground, without a catafalque, a decision made by Pope Francis himself, reflecting his humility and connection to the people.
The solemn ceremony was presided over by Cardinal-Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, who began by reading a document that chronicled the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, highlighting his most significant contributions as the 266th Pope. The document poignantly stated that the memory of Pope Francis “remains in the heart of the Church and of all humanity.” Key milestones included his impactful time in Germany during the late 1980s and his dedicated service in Argentina, where he was known as a humble pastor who often traveled by public transport, lived in a modest apartment, and prepared his own meals.
As the ceremony continued, Archbishop Diego Ravelli gently spread a white silk cloth over the face of Pope Francis. Cardinal-Camerlengo Farrell then performed a ritual sprinkling of holy water over the deceased Pope. A special bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate was placed inside the coffin, symbolizing his legacy and the impact he had on the Catholic Church and beyond.
Following this, the lid of the zinc coffin was carefully placed on top, accompanied by Francis’ cross, coat of arms, and a plaque bearing his name along with the dates of his life and papacy. As the final touches were made, psalms were sung, adding to the sacred atmosphere of the occasion.
Once the zinc coffin was securely sealed, the official seals of the Cardinal-Camerlengo, the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office for Liturgical Celebrations, and the Vatican Chapter were imprinted, marking the end of an era. The wooden coffin, which prominently displayed a cross and the coat of arms of the late Pope, was then sealed, ensuring that the memory of Pope Francis will be cherished and honored by future generations.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis promises to be a significant event, drawing countless individuals to reflect on his extraordinary life and the profound influence he had on the Catholic Church and the world.
