Pope Francis's Coffin Sealed After Lying in State; Funeral Preparations Underway

End of Public Viewing and Coffin Sealing

• 🇻🇦 The public viewing of Pope Francis's body has concluded after three days at St. Peter's Basilica.
• 🔒 A private ceremony has sealed the Pope's coffin, officially ending the period of his body lying in state.

Funeral Preparations and Attendees

• 🌍 Security measures have been heightened in Vatican City for the upcoming funeral.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump has arrived in Rome and is among approximately 50 heads of state attending the funeral.
• 🏟️ St. Peter's Square has been closed until the funeral, with an estimated 250,000 people having paid their respects.

Funeral Ceremony and Symbolism

• 🕊️ The funeral is expected to draw a crowd exceeding 200,000 people.
• ✝️ Pope Francis's casket will be placed on ground level outside the basilica as a symbol of dying to himself and being equal with everyone.
• ⏳ Following the funeral service, a procession will take the Pope to his final resting place.

Final Resting Place and Special Farewell

• 🪦 Pope Francis will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Major.
• ✍️ His tomb will be made from stone from the Lagura region and bear the simple inscription "Franciscus."
• 🙏 The poor and marginalized, who held a special place in Pope Francis's heart, will be the last to say goodbye to the pontiff at the basilica steps.