Kabaong ni Pope Francis, sinelyuhan na bilang paghahanda sa libing ngayong Sabado
- Pope Francis’ coffin was sealed ahead of a scheduled grand funeral this Saturday, April 26
- The solemn ceremony, presided over by the Vatican Carmerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrel, marked the end of the 3-day public viewing and the start of the final farewell for the popular Pope
- Over a hundred thousand people, including 50 heads of state, are expected to attend the funeral
- Breaking tradition, Pope Francis, when he was alive, has opted for a location outside the Vatican as his final resting place which reflected his devotion to a Marian Basilica
MAKI-TINGIN KA NAMAN: Pwede ka nang mag-comment sa mga artikulo ng KAMI! Subukan mo, madali lang!
Pope Francis’ coffin has been sealed Friday night, Vatican time (early Saturday morning Philippine time), ahead of his scheduled grand funeral to be held on Saturday, April 26.
Source: Facebook
In photos and videos released to the media, one can see the Vatican, headed by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, preparing the Pontiff’s coffin for the final farewell to Pope Francis.
The solemn ceremony involved sealing his coffin in St. Peter's Basilica on Friday evening, marking the culmination of three days of public viewing.
This rite was also attended by members of the late Pontiff’s family and Vatican officials, signaling the transition from public mourning to the official funeral proceedings.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!
Thousands of pilgrims from around the world had paid their respects during the public viewing, a testament to the global impact of Pope Francis's 12-year pontificate.
In adherence to tradition, a white silk veil was placed over his face, and a pouch containing coins and medals minted during his reign was placed within the wooden coffin.
Following the ceremony, the Chapter of St. Peter maintained an all-night vigil, keeping watch until the commencement of the funeral Mass.
On Saturday morning, the coffin was moved from the basilica to St. Peter’s Square, where a vast gathering of mourners was expected.
The funeral Mass, commencing at 10 a.m. Vatican time (4 p.m. Philippine time), was to be a grand event, with an estimated attendance of over 200,000 people.
Among them were approximately 50 heads of state, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who traveled to Rome to pay their respects.
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re was designated to deliver the homily and lead the Mass.
The event was a significant gathering of the Catholic clergy, with expectations of 220 cardinals, 750 bishops, and thousands of priests concelebrating the Mass near the altar and throughout the expansive square.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke and cardiac arrest on Monday, chose his final resting place to be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), reflecting his deep devotion to the Marian basilica.
This decision broke a long-standing tradition, as the last pope buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII in 1903.
The funeral procession was planned to proceed from St. Peter's to St. Mary Major at a slow pace, a route stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) through the heart of Rome.
Large crowds were anticipated to line the streets, offering their final salutations as the cortege passed iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum.
In a gesture befitting Pope Francis’s lifelong commitment to the marginalized, a group of impoverished individuals were to be present on the steps of St. Mary Major to offer their respects.
The burial itself was to be a private affair, though the tomb, inscribed simply with his papal name, Franciscus, was expected to be opened to visitors shortly thereafter.
This papal funeral marks the beginning of a nine-day mourning period observed by the global Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, known for his emphasis on mercy, social justice, and his efforts to reform the Church, leaves behind a legacy that continues to resonate with people of all faiths and backgrounds worldwide.
Pope Francis was the leader of the Catholic Church. He was born in Argentina and became pope in 2013. He was known for being kind and caring, especially to the poor. He encouraged people to help others and live simply. Many people admired him for his humble lifestyle and messages of peace.
Recently, it was revealed that the Pontiff wrote the preface of Cardinal Angelo Scola’s book titled “Awaiting a New Beginning: Reflections on Old Age.” In the preface that the late pontiff wrote on February 7, Francis penned his discerning thoughts about becoming old and death. The Vatican released the said preface ahead of the book’s release. It can be recalled the Argentine pope died on April 21 at the age of 88 due to a stroke that led to a coma and cardiocirculatory collapse.
It can be recalled that the Pontiff's body had been lying in state in the Vatican. Earlier, his body was placed in the coffin during the rite of the declaration on Monday evening (Tuesday in Manila). Following the late pontiff's wish, his body is now seen in an open wooden casket, It was also his wish to be placed in a simple wooden casket with a zinc lining instead of the traditional three layers of coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak.
Bagong feature: Tingnan ang mga balitang para sa'yo ➡️ hanapin ang "Recommended for you" block at mag-enjoy!
Source: KAMI.com.gh
