Pope Francis’s Body Transferred to St Peter’s Basilica for Public Viewing

Vatican City: Pope Francis’s body was transferred to St Peter’s Basilica from the chapel of Santa Marta, his residence inside the Vatican, after his death at the age of 88 on Monday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the late pontiff will lie in state in the basilica until Friday, allowing the faithful to pay their respects before his funeral in St Peter’s Square on Saturday. The body, dressed in a red robe with a white mitre, was carried in an open coffin through St Peter’s Square, entering the basilica via the central door.

The faithful gathered in the square applauded as the procession passed, with the ‘sediari pontifici’ serving as the bearers. These chair-bearers, historically used to carry popes, had their roles reassigned after the practice was stopped by Pope John Paul II in favor of popemobiles.

In keeping with Pope Francis’s wishes, his coffin was placed in front of the Altar of Confession on a small, slightly inclined platform on the ground, rather than on a traditional catafalque. Cardinal Kevin F
arrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, led the rite of translation, starting with a prayer at the chapel of Santa Marta.

Following the procession, Cardinal Farrell presided over the Liturgy of the Word. The Basilica will remain open to the public wishing to pay their respects at the following times: Wednesday, 23 April, from 11:00 to 24:00; Thursday, 24 April, from 7:00 to 24:00; and Friday, 25 April, from 7:00 to 19:00, as stated by the Press Office of the Holy See.