Everyone’s getting ready for Pope Francis’s farewell at St. Peter’s Square. His wishes for the burial really show his humble nature and preference for simplicity.
The public viewing will wrap up tonight at St. Peter’s Basilica
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21st, has been resting in state at the Vatican, letting thousands of people come by and say their goodbyes before his funeral tomorrow, April 26th.
This funeral is expected to be HUGE
His funeral will draw a crowd of up to 200,000 mourners, with over 130 foreign delegates attending, including big names like Prince William, Donald Trump, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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Thousands of mourners have come to pay their respects this week, visiting the Pope’s open casket
The public viewing wraps up tonight, 25 April, at St. Peter’s Basilica, with his funeral set for tomorrow, 26 April.
Pope Francis wanted a simple burial before his passing
The Pope shared his burial wishes, asking for a simple zinc coffin placed inside a wooden casket, straying from traditional practices.
Following his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore
Pope Francis will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore, where he had always said he wanted to be his final resting spot. The Pope’s final testament reveals his burial wishes. In his final testament, he wrote: “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.”
The Pope’s body will be blessed before the funeral
Before the funeral tomorrow, his body will be blessed with holy water, and a white silk cloth will be placed over his face tonight. He asked for a few items to be buried with him.
Pope Francis wanted a humble and simple farewell
Just like his humble nature, Pope Francis had asked for a modest farewell. He had called the traditional Vatican funeral rites “too elaborate.”
Even his final testament is a message of peace
He wrapped up his final testament with a message of peace, saying: “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.”
The items are very interesting
Before sealing the coffin, a small bag of coins minted during his 12 years as Pope will be placed inside with him as the first item.
Item #2: documents and a papal biography. He will also be buried with a metal tube holding documents and a one-page papal biography, which the master of liturgical ceremonies will read aloud before placing it inside the casket.