Vatican City: Pope Francis’s coffin will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, allowing the faithful to pay their respects following his death on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. The late pope’s body will lie in state until his funeral on Saturday.
According to Ansa News Agency, earlier on Tuesday, the Vatican released a photograph of Pope Francis in an open coffin situated in the chapel of Santa Marta, the residence inside the Vatican where he resided. The late pontiff was dressed in a red robe, wore a white mitre, and held a rosary.
The Vatican stated that Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will oversee the rite of translation on Wednesday. The ceremony will commence at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer. The procession is set to pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exiting through the Arch of the Bells into St Peter’s Square, before entering the Basilica via the central door.
At the Altar of the Confession within the Basilica, the Cardinal Camerlengo will lead the Liturgy of the Word. Upon its conclusion, the public will be allowed to visit and pay their respects to the late pope.
