Vatican reveals details of farewell and funeral of Pope Francis
The farewell ceremony for Pope Francis will begin on Wednesday with a solemn transfer of his body to St. Peter's Basilica, where nine days of mourning will take place.
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The Vatican announced that on Wednesday, April 23, at 9:00 AM local time, the body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta residence to St. Peter's Basilica.
The transfer will be led by the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square, the Square of the First Martyrs of Rome, and the Bells Gate, then enter the basilica through the main entrance.
A liturgy of the word will take place at the Altar of the Confession, followed by the public farewell to the pontiff.
On Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM, a funeral Mass will be held, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re.
Patriarchs, archbishops, and priests from around the world will take part in the service. The Mass will conclude with the rites of Ultima commendatio and Valedictio, marking the beginning of the nine-day mourning period (Novemdiales).
Later, the pontiff's body will be reburied in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
It was also reported that heightened security measures were introduced in Rome following the death of the Pope: the authorities urgently activated the Crisis Management Center, and additional police patrols began 24/7 duty in the Vatican area.