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Final Journey: Pope Francis' Body Brought To St. Peter's Basilica As Thousands Pay Tribute
Photo credit: The Vatican
In a deeply moving ceremony on Wednesday morning, the Vatican bid a solemn goodbye to Pope Francis, as the Rite of Translation of his body took place under the warm Roman sun.
Leading the rite was Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who gathered with the College of Cardinals at the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta — the Pope’s longtime residence. With heads bowed, they began with a quiet, heartfelt prayer.
“We thank You, Lord, for the countless gifts You gave the Church through Your servant, Pope Francis,” Cardinal Farrell prayed, honoring the late Pontiff’s 12 years of humble and compassionate leadership. He also asked for comfort for the grieving papal family, the Church of Rome, and faithful Catholics around the world.
Soon after, the somber procession began. The Pope’s coffin was carried slowly across Santa Marta Square, through the historic Arch of the Bells, and into the grand expanse of St. Peter’s Square. There, over 20,000 mourners had gathered, a sea of reverent silence broken only by a soft, sustained applause as the coffin moved past them — a simple but powerful gesture of love and respect.
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the coffin was placed in front of the Altar of the Confession. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as the choir sang the Litany of the Saints in Latin, invoking prayers for Pope Francis’ soul.
Cardinal Farrell continued the ceremony with a brief reading from the Gospel of John, reflecting on the love of God and Jesus’ prayer for His disciples — a reminder of the late Pope’s own life of service and love.
The rite closed with the singing of the Salve Regina, a tender hymn to the Mother of Mercy, echoing through the vast basilica.
One by one, the College of Cardinals came forward to pay their final respects. Behind them, faithful pilgrims — young and old — slowly followed, many whispering prayers, others quietly weeping.
It was a farewell fitting for a Pope who had touched millions, not with grandiosity, but with simplicity, kindness, and a heart that always reached for those on the margins.
Leading the rite was Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who gathered with the College of Cardinals at the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta — the Pope’s longtime residence. With heads bowed, they began with a quiet, heartfelt prayer.
“We thank You, Lord, for the countless gifts You gave the Church through Your servant, Pope Francis,” Cardinal Farrell prayed, honoring the late Pontiff’s 12 years of humble and compassionate leadership. He also asked for comfort for the grieving papal family, the Church of Rome, and faithful Catholics around the world.
Soon after, the somber procession began. The Pope’s coffin was carried slowly across Santa Marta Square, through the historic Arch of the Bells, and into the grand expanse of St. Peter’s Square. There, over 20,000 mourners had gathered, a sea of reverent silence broken only by a soft, sustained applause as the coffin moved past them — a simple but powerful gesture of love and respect.
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the coffin was placed in front of the Altar of the Confession. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as the choir sang the Litany of the Saints in Latin, invoking prayers for Pope Francis’ soul.
Cardinal Farrell continued the ceremony with a brief reading from the Gospel of John, reflecting on the love of God and Jesus’ prayer for His disciples — a reminder of the late Pope’s own life of service and love.
The rite closed with the singing of the Salve Regina, a tender hymn to the Mother of Mercy, echoing through the vast basilica.
One by one, the College of Cardinals came forward to pay their final respects. Behind them, faithful pilgrims — young and old — slowly followed, many whispering prayers, others quietly weeping.
It was a farewell fitting for a Pope who had touched millions, not with grandiosity, but with simplicity, kindness, and a heart that always reached for those on the margins.
Apr 23, 2025
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