Pope Francis: The World Prepares to Bid Farewell – The Sealing of the Coffin and the Journey to Burial

Rome and Catholics worldwide prepare to bid farewell to their religious leader. He will ‘return’ to his welcoming soil on Saturday, April 26th, in a ceremony watched by millions. Pope Francis, rightly called the ‘People’s Pope’ and the ‘Poor’s Pope,’ had hundreds of thousands of faithful pay their respects during the three-day vigil. Patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the globe will conduct the funeral rites for Pope Francis. The ceremony begins at 10 AM with the presence of 50 leaders, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and 10 kings, alongside representatives from 130 countries. Security measures are stringent, with snipers on rooftops and an aerial lockdown around St. Peter’s Basilica. The procession starts in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient nine-day mourning tradition for the late Argentine Pontiff. The ceremony is led by Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Private ceremonies will follow, honoring the Pontiff’s wishes. Around 250,000 faithful attended the public viewing under strict security measures. The Vatican Radio and News will broadcast the funeral live in 15 languages. International dignitaries, including Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and others, will attend. The Pope’s simple tomb, made of Ligurian marble, reflects his humble requests. The vacancy left by Pope Francis is significant, yet discussions about his successor remain confidential within the Vatican. Following the nine-day mourning period, the Conclave will convene to elect a new Pope.