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Pope Francis’s Funeral: Public Viewing Set to Begin
The casket bearing Pope Francis will be transported from Casa Santa Marta, the residence where he passed away, to St. Peter’s Basilica at 9 a.m. local time (8 a.m. BST). The public will have the opportunity to offer their respects for three days, commencing at 11 a.m. local time (10 a.m. BST). This period of public mourning allows pilgrims and devotees to pay their final tributes to the late Pope Francis.
Procession and Prayer Service
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the church, will conduct a prayer service prior to the transfer of Pope Francis’s remains.
Cardinal Farrell’s Commemoration
Cardinal Farrell is expected to express during the prayer service: “Dear brothers and sisters, with profound grief, we now accompany the mortal remains of our Pope Francis to the Vatican Basilica.”
He will further state: “As we now depart his home, let us express gratitude to the Lord for the numerous gifts bestowed upon the Christian people through his servant, Pope Francis.”
A Plea for Eternal Peace
Cardinal Farrell will conclude with a plea: “Let us implore him, in his mercy and compassion, to grant the late Pope an eternal home in the kingdom of heaven, and to comfort with celestial hope the papal family, the Church in Rome, and the faithful throughout the world.”
Schedule of Events: A Brief Overview
- 9:00 AM Local Time (8:00 AM BST): Transport of the coffin from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.
- 11:00 AM Local Time (10:00 AM BST): Start of the three-day public viewing period where people can honor the legacy of Pope Francis.