See the photos: Pope Francis’ coffin sealed ahead of funeral
The coffin of Pope Francis has been sealed after three days in a ceremony that marks the beginning of the pontiff’s journey to his final resting place. See the photos, follow updates.
This evening, at 8:00 pm, at the Altar of Confession in St. Peter’s Basilica, as announced, the rite of the Closing of the coffin of the Roman Pontiff took place.
Vatican Master of Ceremonies Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli has ceremonially covered the face of late Pope Francis with a silk cloth before sealing his casket in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Friday, April 25, 2025.
The sealing ceremony took place following the conclusion of the three-day public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The ceremony was led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, and included a prayer and other liturgical rites.
The ceremony included prayers, the placement of objects and the pope’s pallium in the coffin, and the spreading of a white veil.
Pope Francis chose a simple wooden coffin and a streamlined funeral ceremony, differing from traditional practices.
In addition to those indicated in the Notification of the Office of Liturgical Celebrations, some family members of the deceased Pope also participated in the rite.
The celebration, held according to the prescriptions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, concluded at 9:00 pm, local time.
During the night, the Chapter of St. Peter will ensure a presence of prayer and vigil for the body of the Pontiff, until the preparations for Holy Mass tomorrow morning.
The sealed coffin will be moved for the funeral in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, April 26th, and he will be buried in a simple underground tomb at St. Mary Major Basilica, as per his request.
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