In an act full of solemnity and tradition, this Friday began the closing ceremony of the coffin containing the mortal remains of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica. The event, held privately from 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT), marks the last farewell to the Argentine pontiff, on the eve of his official funeral.
The ceremony was presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, Kevin Joseph Farrell, who assumed the functions of highest Vatican authority after the death of Francis, according to the protocol established in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
Reading of the ‘Rogito’ and preparation of the coffin
One of the most significant moments of the ceremony was the reading of the ‘rogito’, a document that solemnly gathers the essential data of the life, work and pontificate of Pope Francis.
The act was read by the master of the Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Diego Ravelli, and signed by several high prelates present, among them Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who will officiate at the funeral this Saturday; Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; and Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.
After a silent prayer, the traditional rites were performed: a white silk veil was placed over the Pope’s face, symbolizing eternal peace, and the body was sprinkled with holy water as an act of purification.
Subsequently, several symbolic elements were introduced into the coffin:
A bag with coins and medals minted during his pontificate.
The metal cylinder containing the ‘rogito’, duly sealed by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations.
Sealing and closing of the coffin
The cypress coffin, according to tradition, was closed with a zinc lid on which were engraved a cross, the papal coat of arms and a plaque with the Pope’s full name, the duration of his life and his pontificate.
This coffin was sealed with the insignia of the Cardinal Camerlengo, the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office of Liturgical Celebrations and the Vatican Chapter.
Finally, the zinc coffin was placed in a second coffin made of elm wood, following the established practice of recent papal funerals, thus ensuring the preservation of the body.
Funeral and burial
The funeral of Francis, who in his lifetime was the first Latin American pope and a fervent defender of migrants and the poorest of the poor, will take place in St. Peter’s Square this Saturday morning.
Afterwards, his coffin will be transferred in procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be buried, thus fulfilling his wish expressed during his pontificate.
This historic moment represents not only the farewell of a spiritual leader of global reach, but also an opportunity for reflection for the Hispanic community in the United States, which found in Francis an ally and tireless defender of human rights and the dignity of migrants.
For more news visit QuéOnnda.com.
