Pope Francis' Final Journey: A Historic Farewell in St. Peter's Basilica
Arrival of his remains at St. Peter's Basilica - Arrived at St. Peter's Basilica: The Corpse.
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as the world bids adieu to Pope Francis! The Swiss Guard, under the watchful eyes of mourners from around the globe, escorted his body from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning, starting the historic procession at 9:00 AM.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, with heartfelt words, bid farewell to the Pontiff. "Dear brothers and sisters, as we now leave his house, we thank the Lord for the countless gifts he has given to the Christian people through his servant Pope Francis," media outlets quote from Farrell's prayer.
The procession continued over Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani, heading towards St. Peter's Basilica, where the farewell ceremony reached its climax.
A Chance for the Public to Say Goodbye
About half an hour later, the procession came to St. Peter's Basilica, marking the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word - a Catholic Mass segment that consists of scripture readings. Once this ritual is over, the public will be granted access to pay their respects to Pope Francis.
The pope's remains will rest in St. Peter's Basilica until his funeral on the following Saturday at 10:00 AM. This solemn ceremony will be led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re. Notable attendees include Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Olaf Scholz, Donald Trump, and Prince William.
- Pope Francis
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Santa Marta
- Kevin Farrell
- Swiss Guard
- Funeral
- Tribute
- Public Viewing
Funeral Highlights:
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony, lasting approximately 2.5 hours, will mainly be conducted in Latin. Over 200,000 people from around the globe, including foreign delegations, are expected to pay their respects.
Following the Mass, Pope Francis' coffin will be slowly processed to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. This poignant procession will pass through the streets of Rome, providing the faithful and residents a chance for a heartfelt farewell.
The burial rites will then take place at Saint Mary Major, marking a significant break from tradition as Pope Francis has requested to be interred outside the Vatican grounds, making him the first pope in 120 years to rest at this holy site.
Mourning and Memorial: A Unique Send-off for a Humble Pope
Prior to the funeral, the pope's body will be dressed simply, honoring the humble style of Pope Francis. The open casket viewing period will last for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the public to express their deepest condolences.
This funeral and procession encapsulate the essence of Pope Francis, reflecting his humility, empathy towards the marginalized, and his unique break from centuries-old burial traditions.
- The Swiss Guard, along with mourners from around the world, escorted Pope Francis' body from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of his historic farewell procession at 9:00 AM.
- The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, with over 200,000 people from around the globe expected to attend.
- Following the funeral Mass, Pope Francis' coffin will be slowly processed to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, allowing the faithful and residents of Rome a chance for a heartfelt farewell.
- In a unique twist, Pope Francis has requested to be interred outside the Vatican grounds at Saint Mary Major, making him the first pope in 120 years to rest at this holy site.
