St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual heart of the Vatican, will host one of the most solemn moments of Pope Francis’ funeral rites. On Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. local time, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the ceremony to seal the coffin of the pontiff, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. The rite, outlined in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, marks the end of the public visitation period, during which thousands have paid their respects to the beloved leader. This ceremony follows three days of public viewing in the basilica, where millions have honored the legacy of a pope known for his simplicity and compassion.
The transfer of Pope Francis’ body from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, which took place on the morning of April 23, drew approximately 20,000 faithful to St. Peter’s Square. The procession, led by Cardinal Farrell, featured psalm chants and prayers, with the open coffin carried by the Vatican’s traditional sediari. The crowd applauded in a gesture of reverence and emotion as the basilica’s bell tolled in mourning. Estimates suggest that 1.5 million people will have visited the body by the end of the public viewing, which concludes at 7 p.m. on Friday before the sealing ceremony begins.
The Friday ceremony will include key figures of the Catholic Church, such as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Secretary of State. The event, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Altar of the Confession, will follow a strict liturgical protocol, featuring prayers and Latin chants, including the Salve Regina. The coffin, crafted from wood with a zinc lining, reflects reforms introduced by Francis, who abolished the traditional use of three coffins in favor of a simpler, humbler approach.
- Key participants in the rite:
- Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Secretary of State.
- Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon.
- Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.
A reforming pope and his final farewell
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21 due to a stroke followed by heart failure. His 12-year papacy, as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, was defined by advocacy for the poor, interfaith dialogue, and internal Church reforms. The coffin sealing ceremony symbolizes not only the end of his pontificate but also his vision for a more accessible and unpretentious Church. Changes to funeral rites, approved by Francis in April 2024 and published in November of the same year, eliminated practices such as displaying the body outside the coffin and using elevated catafalques.
The public viewing, which began at 11 a.m. on April 23, has attracted pilgrims from across the globe. The line to pay respects formed even before the transfer procession concluded, with some waiting hours to bid farewell. A priest from Lesotho, present in St. Peter’s Square, described the emotional weight of the moment: “I couldn’t leave Rome without seeing him. We’ll remember him for his faith and love for the marginalized.” The visitation, open from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 24 and 25, is accompanied by continuous Masses and prayers in the basilica.
Cardinal Farrell’s role in the transition
Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, a 77-year-old Irish prelate, was appointed Camerlengo in 2019 by Pope Francis. During the Sede Vacante, the period when the Church is without a pope, he oversees the Vatican’s assets and organizes the funeral rites and conclave. Farrell, who has served as president of the Vatican’s Supreme Court since 2024, has a distinguished career, including roles as Bishop of Dallas and Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. His leadership in the coffin sealing ceremony underscores his pivotal role in the Church’s transition.
Before the body’s transfer, Farrell led a prayer at Casa Santa Marta, giving thanks for Francis’ contributions to the Christian faithful. He also performed the traditional rite of confirming the pontiff’s death by calling him three times by his baptismal name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of the papacy, was another symbolic act carried out by Farrell to prevent the forging of official documents. These actions, though procedural, carry deep spiritual and administrative significance for the Church.
The coffin sealing ceremony, held at the Altar of the Confession, will be attended by a select group of ecclesiastical authorities and authorized faithful. In addition to the named cardinals, attendees will include canons of the Vatican Chapter, minor penitentiaries, and the pope’s secretaries. The liturgy, led by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Diego Ravelli, will feature the recitation of the Responsory Subvenite Sancti Dei and other prayers for the pontiff’s eternal rest.
- Rituals performed by Farrell during the Sede Vacante:
- Official confirmation of Pope Francis’ death.
- Destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring.
- Sealing of the pope’s apartment and office.
- Coordination of the funeral and conclave preparations.
Simplicity in funeral rites
The funeral reforms implemented by Francis reflect his vision of a Church closer to the faithful. The elimination of the traditional three coffins—cypress, lead, and oak—in favor of a single wooden coffin with a zinc lining highlights his preference for simplicity. Francis also mandated that his body not be displayed outside the coffin, breaking with the tradition of exhibiting popes on elevated catafalques. These changes, outlined in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, emphasize the pope’s role as a pastor rather than a worldly leader.
St. Peter’s Basilica, where the coffin is displayed, was prepared to accommodate large crowds. Approximately 10,000 chairs were set up in St. Peter’s Square for the transfer procession, and large screens broadcast the ceremonies live. The public viewing, which began after a liturgy of the word led by Farrell, has been marked by moments of silence and prayer. Many faithful carry rosaries, photos of Francis, and messages of gratitude, reflecting the impact of his papacy on issues like social justice and care for the poor.
Timeline of Pope Francis’ funeral rites
The funeral process for Pope Francis follows a strict schedule set by the Vatican to honor the pontiff and prepare for the conclave. Below are the key events:
- April 21: Confirmation of death and placement of the body in the coffin at Casa Santa Marta, 3 p.m.
- April 23: Transfer of the body to St. Peter’s Basilica, 9 a.m., with public viewing starting at 11 a.m.
- April 24–25: Public viewing from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- April 25: Coffin sealing ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, 8 p.m.
- April 26: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, followed by burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The funeral, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony, starting at 5 a.m. Brasília time, will see the attendance of heads of state, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and France’s President Emmanuel Macron. After the Mass, the coffin will be transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Francis will be buried, fulfilling his wish expressed in 2023.
Global impact of the viewing
The death of Pope Francis has sparked widespread mourning, particularly in countries with strong Catholic traditions, such as Brazil and Timor-Leste. In Rome, St. Peter’s Square has been the site of spontaneous vigils and prayers, with faithful leaving flowers and candles in tribute. In Timor-Leste, one of the world’s most Catholic nations, thousands filled churches to pray for Francis, often described as “a saint in heaven.” The presence of pilgrims from diverse nations underscores the global reach of his papacy.
The three-day public viewing has required complex logistics. Security has been heightened around the Vatican, with barriers and access controls to manage the crowds. Volunteers and basilica staff guide visitors to ensure a steady flow. Live broadcasts on screens and digital platforms allow millions worldwide to follow the rites, amplifying the event’s global resonance.
Francis’ choice to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, rather than the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, has drawn attention. The basilica, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was frequently visited by Francis for prayers before and after international trips. The site, which houses the remains of seven popes, has been prepared to receive his tomb, which will be open to public visits and prayers.
Preparations for the conclave
As the Vatican bids farewell to Francis, preparations for the conclave to elect the new pope are underway. Cardinal Farrell, as Camerlengo, will oversee the voting process, expected to begin in early May. The College of Cardinals, comprising 252 members, of whom 135 under 80 are eligible to vote, will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the election. The new pope’s selection will be announced with white smoke and the proclamation “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
During the Sede Vacante, Farrell manages the Apostolic Palace and ensures the security of the conclave’s venues. He also oversees the cardinals’ oath of secrecy, guaranteeing the confidentiality of the process. Farrell’s experience in administrative roles, including his time in the Diocese of Dallas and the Dicastery for Laity, positions him as a key figure in the transition. His close relationship with Francis, who elevated him to cardinal in 2016, bolsters his authority in conducting the final rites of the papacy.
The election of the next pope will be shaped by Francis’ legacy, as he appointed roughly 80% of the voting cardinals. Names like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines are among those considered potential successors. The choice will reflect the Church’s challenges in the 21st century, including evangelization in a secular world and promoting social justice, core themes of Francis’ papacy.
Francis’ legacy in the Church
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, elected pope in 2013 following Benedict XVI’s resignation, reshaped the Catholic Church with his pastoral approach and focus on the marginalized. His emphasis on mercy, interfaith dialogue, and criticism of neoliberalism defined his pontificate. Francis also enacted internal reforms, such as restructuring the Roman Curia and appointing cardinals from peripheral regions, enhancing the Church’s diversity. His death, after health struggles including pneumonia and bronchitis, closes a significant chapter in Catholic history.
The coffin sealing ceremony, though solemn, is one of many moments celebrating Francis’ life and ministry. The Funeral Mass on Saturday will gather world leaders and faithful in a ceremony highlighting his message of humility and service. The burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, set for the same day, will conclude the rites with the singing of the Salve Regina, a Marian prayer reflecting the pontiff’s spirituality.
The presence of figures like Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Francis’ almoner, and Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for the Secretariat of State, at Friday’s ceremony underscores the continuity of the pope’s legacy. Krajewski, known for his work with the poor, and Peña Parra, who supported Vatican diplomacy, embody the vision of a Church engaged with the world. Their participation in the rite highlights Francis’ influence in shaping a generation of clergy committed to his mission.
- Milestones of Francis’ pontificate:
- First Latin American and Jesuit pope.
- Reform of the Roman Curia and creation of new cardinals.
- Encyclicals like Laudato Si’ on the environment and Fratelli Tutti on fraternity.
- Interfaith dialogue with Muslim and Jewish leaders.
The faithful’s emotional farewell
The public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica has been a deeply emotional experience for the faithful. Many pilgrims traveled great distances to offer their final tributes, carrying signs reading “Thank you, Francis” and “Saint of the poor.” The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square blends grief and gratitude, with prayer groups reciting the rosary and singing hymns in multiple languages. The diversity of visitors, hailing from countries like Argentina, the Philippines, and Poland, reflects the global impact of Francis’ papacy.
The viewing’s logistics include measures to manage the crowd. Security barriers surround the basilica, and volunteers distribute water and guide visitors. Live broadcasts on Catholic channels and digital platforms enable global participation. In Rome, hotels and guesthouses are fully booked, and local businesses report increased sales of religious items like rosaries and images of Francis.
The coffin sealing ceremony, marking the end of the public viewing, will be a moment of reflection for those present. The rite, led by Farrell, will include prayers for the pontiff’s soul and chants evoking the hope of resurrection. The simplicity of the coffin, devoid of lavish ornamentation, serves as a reminder of the humility Francis preached. After the sealing, the coffin will be prepared for the Funeral Mass and final transfer to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The Church’s future after Francis
The death of Pope Francis ushers in a period of uncertainty and reflection for the Catholic Church. The conclave, set to begin in May, will be a defining moment for the institution’s direction. The voting cardinals, many appointed by Francis, will address issues like the continuation of reforms, the Church’s role in a polarized world, and evangelization in regions where Catholicism is declining. The selection of the new pope will be closely watched by faithful and analysts, who anticipate a leader capable of carrying forward Francis’ charisma.
In the meantime, the Vatican remains focused on the funeral rites. The Funeral Mass on Saturday will be a major event, with delegations from over 70 countries expected to attend. St. Peter’s Square, which welcomed millions during the viewing of John Paul II in 2005, is being prepared to accommodate a similar crowd. The ceremony will be broadcast globally with translations in multiple languages, ensuring Francis’ legacy reaches all continents.
The burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a personal wish of Francis, marks the end of a papacy that broke with tradition. The basilica, with over 1,500 years of history, will become a pilgrimage site for those honoring the pope’s memory. The tomb, open to the public, symbolizes Francis’ closeness to the faithful, even in death.
- Next steps after the funeral:
- Start of the official nine-day mourning period (novendiali).
- College of Cardinals’ meeting to organize the conclave.
- Election of the new pope, expected in early May.
- Announcement of “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.