Pope Francis' Coffin Sealed Before Funeral Mass at St. Peter's Basilica

Coffin Sealing Ceremony

• ⚰️ The coffin holding the body of Pope Francis has been sealed in Vatican City on Friday night.
• ⛪ The ceremony was presided over by the master of liturgical celebrations and witnessed by Cardinal Roger Mahoney.
• ⏰ It is now past 1 AM in Vatican City, following the sealing of the coffin.

Public Viewing and Mourners

• 🕯️ For three days, 250,000 mourners filed through St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects to the Pope.
• 🚶 Even an hour before the coffin was sealed, thousands were still lined up outside St. Peter's Basilica.
• 🙏 Mourners described the experience as solemn, respectful, and emotional, feeling blessed to say goodbye.

Pope Francis' Legacy and Funeral

• 🕊️ Many mourners expressed a desire to see Pope Francis's legacy continue, viewing him as a good role model.
• 📜 Pope Francis requested a simple funeral ceremony to take place on Saturday in St. Peter's Square.
• 🏛️ Following the funeral, he will be brought to his final resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
• 📍 The Basilica of St. Mary Major is described as a simple, essential piece of art with only the inscription of Pope Francis's name.