The body of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 (Easter Monday) due to stroke and heart failure, will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state for public mourning as Catholics are expected to pay their final respects ahead of the funeral scheduled for April 26, where US President Donald Trump and dozens of other world leaders are expected to be present.
Pope Francis, who was considered a groundbreaking reformer, was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and continued to hold the position for 12 years during which he repeatedly faced conflicts with traditionalists but championed the poor.
The three day public mourning is largely for ordinary Catholics to grieve the passing away of 88-year-old Pope Francis, while the heads of state are expected to attend the funeral in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis’ body, currently lying in an open casket at his Vatican residence in Santa Marta Domus, was for the private viewing by Vatican residents and the papal household.
Two men stand near chairs during the preparations in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
When can the public pay respects to Pope Francis?
Pope’s body will now be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, which will be open for public mourning until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday. The public mourning is scheduled to end on Friday at 7pm.
- 23 April, Wednesday – from 11:00 to 24:00 local time
- 24 April, Thursday – from 07:00 to 24:00 local time
- 25 April, Friday – from 07:00 to 19:00 local time
Pope Francis had asked to be buried at St Mary Major, a Roman basilica, which is usually a different choice than St Peter’s where most of his predecessors are buried.
Pictures released by the Vatican showed Pope Francis wearing the traditional pointed headdress of bishops and red robes, while his hands were folded over a rosary.
(with inputs from agencies)
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