Pope Francis' Funeral Details: Open Coffin, St. Peter's Basilica Service, and Burial Plans

Pope Francis Lies in State

• 🕊️ The Vatican released the first visuals of Pope Francis after his death, showing him in a wooden coffin adorned with a red robe and papal mitre.
• 📍 His body currently lies in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his papacy.

Funeral Procession and Public Viewing

• 🚶 On April 23rd, Pope Francis's body will be transferred from Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica in a procession led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
• ⏰ The general public will be able to pay their respects at the Basilica from April 23rd to April 25th, with specific viewing hours each day.
• 🚫 At the Pope's request, there will be no private viewing for cardinals, and his coffin will not be raised on a pedestal.

Coffin Sealing Ceremony

• 📜 The night before the funeral, senior cardinals will seal the coffin, placing a white cloth over his face.
• 💰 Inside the coffin, a bag of coins minted during his papacy and a written record of his papacy, known as a rogito, will be included.
• ✝️ The coffin will be inscribed with Francis's papal coat of arms and a cross.

Funeral Service and Burial

• 🗓️ The funeral service will take place in St. Peter's Square on April 26th, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals.
• 🌍 Heads of state and royalty, including US President Donald Trump and French President Emanuel Macron, are expected to attend.
• ⚰️ Following the service, the pontiff's body will be transported to St. Mary Major Basilica for burial, marking the first time a pope will not be buried within the Vatican in over a century.
• 📦 Pope Francis requested to be buried in a single wooden casket, deviating from the traditional three-nested coffins.