On April 26, millions of people worldwide will be watching as Pope Francis is laid to rest in his tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. And according to recent reports, the Vatican has packed a few special mementos to rest with the 88-year-old pontiff, who died on April 21.
Since the Vatican opened its doors, more than 100,000 mourners visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, and died as the beloved spiritual leader on April 21.
On Friday evening, “Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning,” Vatican News reports of the closing the pontiff’s coffin.
After the private sealing, the Vatican explains that it will “it will face a vast crowd, expected to number several hundred thousand people, hailing from all geographical, social, political, and cultural backgrounds to pay their final respects. This diverse crowd represents the Church of Francis, the one that welcomes ‘everyone, everyone, everyone,’ as he tirelessly repeated.”
About 20,000 guests are expected to attend the outdoor funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Joe and Jilly Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prince William.
Simple funeral
On June 29, 2022, the Argentinian pope – known for his humility – detailed his burial requests, among them a “simple” tomb, “without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
Breaking a centuries-old practice of burying the late pope in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead and oak, Francis instead will be buried in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin.
He will also be the first pope in about 100 years to be buried outside the Vatican.
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“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
Francis further explained that he felt a “very strong connection” with the basilica, “Because it is my great devotion.”
Special items
Before he’s laid to rest in the tomb, the pope’s face will be covered with a white silk veil and his body sprinkled with holy water.
And, Papal items such as coins and medals that were minted during his pontificate will be placed into the casket. A special deed listing the key points of his 12-year papacy will also be placed inside.
“May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples,” he writes, ending his last testament.
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