Pope Francis's coffin to lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica
On Wednesday, the coffin containing Pope Francis's body will be solemnly transferred to Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The faithful will have the opportunity to pay their respects to the late pontiff until Friday.
Key information
- The coffin with Pope Francis's body will be moved to Saint Peter's Basilica.
- The ceremony commenced on Wednesday at 3:00 AM Eastern Time.
- The faithful can pay their respects to the pope until Friday.
On Wednesday at 3:00 AM Eastern Time, the procession to transfer the coffin with Pope Francis's body from the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae to Saint Peter's Basilica began in Vatican City. Cardinal Kevin Farrell lead the ceremony and preside over the prayer in the chapel.
Displaying the coffin in the basilica
After the procession, the coffin will be displayed in the basilica, where the faithful can pay their respects to the deceased pope. The basilica will be open for visitors until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, and until 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday. Thousands of faithful from around the world are expected to attend.
During the first congregation of cardinals, it was decided that the pope's funeral will take place on Saturday in Saint Peter's Square. The mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Following the ceremony, the coffin will be transported to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis will be buried.
Visit of world leaders
The funeral is expected to be attended by around 200,000 people, including 170 official delegations with world leaders. Among them will be U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The College of Cardinals has decided to suspend the planned beatification ceremonies until the new pope's decision is made. Cardinals Stanisław Ryłko, Pietro Parolin, and Fabio Baggio will assist in the preparations for the funeral.
