The Vatican has begun a carefully choreographed series of sacred rites to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, whose death has drawn a wave of mourning and reflection from around the world.
The late Pontiff’s final journey will begin on Wednesday morning, when his coffin is moved from the chapel at Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. The quiet procession led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church will begin with a moment of prayer before solemnly making its way through Santa Marta Square and into St. Peter’s Square. From there, the body will enter the Basilica through the central doors and be received at the Altar of the Confession, where a brief liturgy will be held before the public begins paying its respects.
This lying-in-state, lasting until Saturday morning, will give the faithful a chance to reflect, pray, and remember a Pope known for championing mercy, simplicity, and reform.
The funeral, scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. He will be joined by a global assembly of clergy, including patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and priests, a fitting send-off for a leader who constantly reminded the Church of its worldwide mission.
The ceremony will conclude with the traditional Ultima commendatio and Valedictio, ancient rites that entrust the Pope’s soul to God and bid him farewell on behalf of the Church. These rites will also mark the beginning of the Novemdiales nine days of mourning and Masses held in memory of the Pope.
Following the funeral, the late Pontiff’s body will be moved to its final resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major a deeply symbolic destination for a Pope who often turned to Mary as a source of comfort and strength.
As Rome prepares for this sacred moment, the world watches not just to grieve a Pope, but to honor a man who reshaped the papacy in the name of compassion and humility.
