To the Basilica of St. Petra began to flow on Wednesday crowds of believers and pilgrims to pay tribute to the deceased Pope Franciswhose body was transferred in the morning from the chapel of the House of Sts. Marty, where he used to be during his pontificate and where he died on Monday morning. Ansa, writes TASR.
The open wooden coffin with the body of the Pope is exposed to a slightly inclined step with the carpet, not on the catafalk – as it used to be in the past. To the space where it is exposed, believers come in the crowd through the main entrance, walking smoothly on the route, and when they bow, they gradually leave the temple. In a dedicated space near the coffin, selected people are designated chairs and kneeling for prayer and meditation.
A coffin with a body – dressed in a Cardinal garment with a white mitra on the head and rosary around the folded hands – brought to the Basilica of Sts. Petr Papal carriers (sediari pontifici). Their original services – wearing on stretchers – resigned by Pope John Paul II. in favor of the use of papamobobi and gave them other tasks within the Papal Court. After the coffin was brought to the basilica, a service was held.
For believers who want to say goodbye to Pope Francis, the Basilica of Sts. Petra open on Wednesday until 24.00, on Thursday from 07.00 h to midnight and Friday from 07.00 to 7 pm, The press office of the Holy See said.
On Friday at 20.00 h will be in the Basilica of Sts. Peter to act the ceremony of sealing the coffin of the Pope Francis. He will be chaired by the papal Cameron, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who took over the leadership of the Catholic Church after Francis’ death, Vatican News reported on Wednesday, referring to the Holy See Press Office.
The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday 26 April at 10.00 am in the area in front of the Basilica of Sts. Peter, according to the regulations of the Roman funeral order for the Pope (Ordo Exequiarum Romani Pontificis). According to Vatican News, this was announced on Tuesday by the Liturgical Fresh Office, saying that the funeral liturgy will be chaired by Cardinal Giovanni Battista RE, the dean of the Cardinal College.
The final ceremonies of Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio will be followed by the final ceremonies of the Eucharistic celebration. Subsequently, they transfer the coffin with the body of the deceased Pope to the Basilica of Sts. Peter and from there to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he wanted to be buried.
Francis will become the eighth pope who will rest in this basilica. His grave is currently being prepared – he will be next to the chapel dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. František wished his grave to be marked with only a simple board with his papal name in Latin: “Franciscus”.
