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Ahead of his burial today, Saturday, April 26, the coffin of Pope Francis has been solemnly sealed in St Peter’s Basilica.
Since Wednesday, the Pope had been lying in state, with around 250,000 mourners visiting to pay their respects over the past three days.
As the final visitors departed, the Basilica emptied, marking the end of this period of mourning.
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Rite of sealing the coffin
The sealing ceremony, led by Cardinal-Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, began with the reading of a document outlining the key moments of Pope Francis’ life.
The document highlighted his time in Germany during the late 1980s and his work in Argentina, where he was known for his humility.
Francis was a simple and beloved pastor, often travelling by metro and bus, living in a modest flat, and preparing his own meals, embodying the idea of a pope living like a ‘normal person.’
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Covering of the face
During the ceremony, Archbishop Diego Ravelli covered the Pope’s face with a white silk cloth, while Cardinal Farrell sprinkled holy water over the body.
A bag containing coins and medals minted during his papacy was placed in the coffin.
The zinc coffin was then sealed, with Francis’ cross, coat of arms, and a plaque bearing his name and papacy dates attached.
Psalms were sung as the seals of the Cardinal-Camerlengo and the Vatican’s relevant offices were placed on the coffin.
The wooden coffin, now sealed, carries a cross and the late Pope’s coat of arms.
This marks the final step before the funeral Mass, with Pope Francis' memory continuing to resonate in the hearts of the faithful worldwide.
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A historic send-off
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend Pope Francis's funeral on in St Peter's Square, among them world leaders, Catholic officials and mourners from around the globe.
Many heads of state and royals have confirmed their attendance, including US President Donald Trump, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Leaders from Uganda have also travelled to be part of the send off, among them Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa.