On Friday, believers can say goodbye to the last day in the open box of Pope Franciscus in St. Peter’s Basilica. The large basilica in the Vatican is still open to the public until 7 p.m. Until now, tens of thousands of people have had the last honor to the late head of the Catholic Church.
At 8 p.m. the coffin is closed in a solemn ceremony, the rite is Cardinal Treasurer Kevin Farrell. In the night of Friday, people waited for hours to get to the body of the Pontifex. The Holy Stuhl was actually planning to open the St. Pietersbasiliek on Thursday until midnight. Because of the great hurry, the responsible people decided to let people go into the cathedral after midnight.
The cardinals in Rome gradually arrive to choose a new head of the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis. Everyone who is already in the Vatican gathered on Friday to advise, among other things, on the funeral on Saturday. The Emeritus Archbishop of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn is expected from Austria.
Van der Bellen and Stocker expected
The preparations for the large funeral chemony are already in full swing, Rome is in a state of emergency. The Austrian delegation, which travels to the funeral, is led by federal president Alexander van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP). Various Austrian bishops such as the Archbishop Franz Lackner, Salzburg, are also part of the parties.
On Saturday morning, the Requiem is planned for countless state guests from all over the world at St. Peter’s Square. Already in Sunday, believers can visit the last resting place of Pope Franciscus in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The grave is simple, made of white marble and carries the inscription “Franciscus” in capital letters. A replica of Francis’s silver -spilled pattern is attached above the stone.
Fireplace not yet installed
From next Monday, the Sixtine Chapel in the Vatican will be closed to visitors for preparations for the conclave (pope election). For example, a fireplace must be installed, which is used to communicate with white smoke when a new pope is chosen. When black smoke blows in heaven, the secret choice continues.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
