Vatican News / YouTube Screenshot
CV NEWS FEED // The body of Pope Francis was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning during the Rite of Translation, a solemn procession that marked the beginning of public mourning in the days leading up to his funeral.
The rite began at Casa Santa Marta, where Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, gathered with the College of Cardinals for prayer, Vatican News reported. In a brief liturgical ceremony, Cardinal Farrell reflected on the legacy of the late pope.
“Let us thank the Lord for the countless gifts He bestowed on the Christian people through His servant, Pope Francis,” Cardinal Farrell prayed, according to Vatican News. “Let us ask Him, in His mercy and kindness, to grant to the late Pope an eternal home in the kingdom of heaven, and to comfort with the celestial hope the papal family, the Church in Rome, and the faithful throughout the world.”
From there, the cardinals accompanied the pope’s coffin through Vatican City, crossing Santa Marta Square and passing under the Arch of the Bells. A hushed crowd of more than 20,000 waited in St. Peter’s Square, many of them applauding quietly as the procession reached the basilica steps and entered the church.
Inside, the coffin was positioned near the Altar of the Confession. The choir led the Litany of the Saints, invoking the prayers of holy men and women on behalf of the late pope. Cardinal Farrell then led a brief service that included a reading from the Gospel of John, in which Jesus prays that His followers might one day be with Him and share in His glory (John 17:24-26).
The rite concluded with the singing of the Salve Regina. Afterward, the College of Cardinals and the gathered faithful took turns offering personal prayers in front of the casket.
As CatholicVote previously reported, Pope Francis will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral on Saturday, April 26. The public may visit through Friday evening, with extended hours on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday night, Cardinal Farrell will return to oversee the sealing of the coffin.
