Funeral Arrangements for Pope Francis at Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Pope Francis' body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral at 10 AM on Saturday. The coffin will be transported following specified procedures, with further details outlined by the Holy See's Press Office.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Francis will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- The funeral service is set for 10 AM on Saturday.
- The procession will pass through various significant locations.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will officiate the Mass.
- Burial will take place at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Vatican City, April 22 (NationPress) The body of Pope Francis will be on display at St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral service, set for 10 AM on Saturday morning, as announced by the Holy See's Press Office on Tuesday.
The coffin containing the deceased Roman Pontiff will be transported from the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter following the guidelines specified in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis on Wednesday morning.
“Following the prayer led by His Reverend Eminence Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the transfer will commence. The procession will traverse Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani; entering Saint Peter’s Square through the Arco delle Campane and proceed into the Vatican Basilica via the main entrance. At the Altar of the Confessio, the Cardinal Camerlengo will lead the Liturgy of the Word, after which the public will be allowed to pay their respects to the Roman Pontiff's body,” stated the governing body of the Catholic Church located in the independent territory of Vatican City.
The funeral Mass will take place, according to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, on the front steps of Saint Peter's Basilica at 10 AM on Saturday, marking the commencement of the Novendiali.
“The liturgy will be officiated by His Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, with participation from Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world,” detailed the Holy See's Press Office.
“At the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Ultimo commendatio and Valedictio will occur. The coffin of the Roman Pontiff will be transferred to Saint Peter’s Basilica and subsequently to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial,” it added.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, had expressed a desire for his funeral rites to be simplified, focusing on the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ, as reported by Vatican News.
“The updated rite,” disclosed Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, “aims to underscore that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff reflects that of a pastor and follower of Christ, rather than a powerful figure of this world.”
The late Pope Francis had sanctioned a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funerals, which will guide the upcoming funeral Mass scheduled for April 2024.
The second version of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces new elements, particularly regarding the handling of the Pope's remains posthumously.
“Death verification will occur in the chapel, rather than in the room of passing, with the body immediately placed into the coffin,” the report indicated.
At 9:45 AM on Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sorrow I announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 AM this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church, teaching us to live the Gospel values with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” he stated.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church had been battling respiratory issues and pneumonia.
