The Catholic Cards held a ceremonial ceremony on Wednesday, moving Pope Francis’ body from his home at the Vatican hotel to St. Peter’s Cathedral, offering three days of public viewing before the funeral.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who ran the Vatican administration until Francis’ successor was elected, presided over the ceremony in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta Hotel, where Francis lived.
The choir sang as the cardinals, wearing red cassocks and capes, stood in their prayers.
Francis’ cas was escorted by a procession of solid cardinals and Swiss security guards through the same square that greeted the faithful people from his popemovie a few days before, his final goodbye.
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The ceremony with Pope Francis’ body lies for three days in the province of St. Peter’s Cathedral and passes through the Vatican crowds on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP)
Paul Bearer passed through the gates of the Vatican archway and placed a simple wooden ffin on his shoulder to the square of St. Peter and the cathedral. The Cardinals and Swiss security guards were slowly disposed.
The ordinary, faithful square of St. Peter to see the procession enter the cathedral.
The head of state is expected for a Saturday funeral at St. Peter’s Square, but three days of public viewing is primarily a common Catholic tribute to the clergy.
The cathedral is open until midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The period of public mourning ends at 7pm on Friday, when Francis’ cas is closed and sealed.
Funeral services were set at 10am on Saturday at St. Peter Square. Leaders around the world, including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Voldmill Zelensky and Argentine President Javier Miley, will attend funerals for the Pope born in Argentina.
The first photo of Pope Francis was released in his cas. Saturday funeral set
The ceremony with Pope Francis’ body lies for three days in the province of St. Peter’s Cathedral and passes through the Vatican crowds on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP)
Inside the cathedral, Francis’ cas is not placed on elevated beer like the past Popes. Instead, it is placed on the main altar of a 16th century cathedral and simply faces its feet.
The Cards will continue to meet this week to elect the next Pope and plan the Conclave to make other decisions regarding the operation of the Catholic Church.
Francis died Monday morning at the age of 88 and suffered a stroke that led to heart failure. His death marked the end of his 12-year pope as the 266 pope and spiritual leader Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’ body was placed in St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he lay in the province for three days. (AP)
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The Pope, who suffered from chronic lung disease and removed a part of one lung when he was young, spent 38 days at Gemeri Hospital in Rome on February 14th, treating the respiratory crisis that had developed double pneumonia.
He was still recovering when he made his final public appearance on Sunday. What is his Easter blessing and his final greeting to his followers from Popemobile? The Pope also met with the Vice President of the United States jd vance Easter Sunday at Casa Santa Malta.
In his final will, Francis confirmed that he would be buried in St. Mary’s Major Basilica, located outside the Vatican and home to the Virgin Mary’s favorite icon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
