Off The Record
Final Resting Rituals: What Will Be Placed In Pope Francis’ Casket
Pope Francis will be buried in his tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on April 26 in front of millions of people around the world. The Vatican has reportedly collected some personal artifacts to be buried with the 88-year-old pope, who passed away on April 21.
More than 100,000 mourners have come to St. Peter’s Basilica since the Vatican opened its doors to offer their last respects to Pope Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 and passed away on April 21 as the adored spiritual leader.
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.”
The outdoor burial is anticipated to draw about 20,000 people, including Prince William, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Joe and Jilly Biden, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
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.”
Francis will be buried in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc, breaking with the centuries-old custom of burying the late pope in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead, and oak.
In addition, he will be the first pope to be laid to rest outside the Vatican in about a century.
“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
The pope will have holy water sprayed over his body and a white silk shroud placed over his face before he is buried.
Additionally, the casket will contain papal artifacts like medals and coins struck during his reign. It will also contain a special deed outlining the main aspects of his 12-year pontificate.
“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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