Asger Risom
Thousands expected to pay final respects as global leaders prepare to attend Rome ceremony
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The Vatican began its final farewell to Pope Francis on Wednesday morning, as the late pontiff’s body was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state until Friday evening.
The move marks the beginning of several days of mourning and remembrance, culminating in a major funeral ceremony on Saturday, April 26.
The 88-year-old pope died Monday following a stroke and cardiac arrest.
His passing came less than 24 hours after a public Easter appearance, capping a transformative 12-year papacy marked by reform, compassion, and persistent tension with Church traditionalists.
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A Procession of Tribute
At 9:00 a.m. local time, Pope Francis’ casket was carried in a solemn procession from the chapel of the Santa Marta residence—where he chose to live instead of the Apostolic Palace—to the central entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Dressed in his liturgical vestments and holding a rosary, he was laid in an open casket, flanked by Swiss Guards.
Visitors, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Jewish community leaders, have already paid their respects, and tens of thousands more are expected through Friday, when public viewing ends at 7:00 p.m. local time.
Saturday’s funeral, to be held outdoors in St. Peter’s Square, will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Notable attendees will include U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, alongside heads of state from across Europe, Ukraine, Argentina, and Moldova, as reported by Digi24.
A Burial of His Choosing
True to his humble ethos, Pope Francis requested to be buried not in the Vatican but in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, with a simple Latin inscription: Franciscus.
This will make him the first pope interred there since 1669.
The papal conclave to elect his successor is not expected to begin until May 6, allowing time for mourning and preparations.
In the interim, Vatican operations remain under the stewardship of Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the designated camerlengo, during the sede vacante period.
