23.04.2025 12:01
The body of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the Head of State of the Vatican, who passed away on April 21 in the Vatican, was taken from the Santa Marta Guesthouse, which he used as his residence, and brought to St. Peter's Basilica in a ceremony. The body is expected to be open for visitation today.
The body of Pope Francis was transferred to St. Peter's Basilica today in a ceremony. The Pope, who passed away on Monday, April 21, will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in a ceremony to be held on Saturday.
The body of Pope Francis was transferred to St. Peter's Basilica in a ceremony held on Wednesday. According to a report by AFP, "The coffin, carried by red-robed cardinals and Swiss guards, was placed in the basilica as the bells of St. Peter rang."
It was reported that the pallbearers took the body from Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope spent his last days, and began their walk towards the basilica. As the open wooden coffin passed through St. Peter's Square, eight Swiss Guards in ceremonial uniforms accompanied the coffin.
A PROCESSION WAS FORMED IN THE VATICAN
In the ceremonial procession, a long line of priests in choir robes and vestments was seen. Groups of nuns carrying candles also took their place at the back of the procession.
Argentinian-born Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 due to stroke, coma, and heart failure.
The funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday. Many world leaders and a large crowd are expected to attend the ceremony.
THOUSANDS GATHERED AT ST. PETER'S
Thousands of people flocked to St. Peter's Square to see the body of Pope Francis. The square was completely filled within the last half hour. While hundreds entered the basilica, those outside followed the live broadcasts on giant screens.
The Pope's body will be displayed at St. Peter's Basilica until the funeral ceremony on April 26. The body, taken from Casa Santa Marta in a ceremony lasting about 40 minutes, was brought to the square where the crowd awaited in silence.
The basilica will be open to visitors at the following times:
April 23, Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (local time)
April 24, Thursday: 07:00 AM - 12:00 AM
April 25, Friday: 07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
The Vatican announced that various masses will continue throughout the day.
COINS WILL BE PLACED IN HIS COFFIN
Austen Ivereigh, the biographer of Pope Francis, stated to the BBC that annual coins minted during the papacy will be placed in Francis's coffin.
Ivereigh mentioned that in the past, popes were mummified, but this practice is no longer mandatory, and some procedures are performed to delay the decomposition of the body. He emphasized that the Pope is essentially displayed "as he died."
In St. Peter's Square, where giant screens have been set up, the public will continue to pay their respects until the funeral ceremony on Saturday.