The coffin containing the remains of Pope Francis has arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the beginning of a historic farewell. The public pilgrimage to honor the late Pontiff will begin shortly.
Pope Francis was the first Latin American Pope, known for his humility and progressive stance on social issues. He passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, following a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican confirmed.
On Wednesday, a solemn procession carried the Pope’s body from Casa Santa Marta—where he passed away—through Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri, en route to the Basilica.
Pope Francis’ body is carried in a coffin into Saint Peter’s Basilica on the day of its translation, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco
Leading the procession was Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, appointed by Pope Francis in 2019 to oversee the Conclave—the process that will eventually determine his successor.
Swiss Guards, in their ceremonial attire, have marched into a sunlit St. Peter’s Square. They now stand in formation at its center, preparing to receive the Pope’s coffin. Church bells ring out across the square, while a giant screen displays live footage of the procession, giving the gathered faithful a glimpse of the solemn moment.
From the early hours of Wednesday, thousands have begun arriving at the Vatican to bid farewell to the “Pontiff of the Poor.” The Basilica will remain open for public visitation until 7 p.m. on Friday.
Pope Francis’ body is carried in a coffin into Saint Peter’s Basilica on the day of its translation, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco
The funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m. (Greece time) in the outdoor area of St. Peter’s Basilica. Following the ceremony, the Pope’s coffin will be brought into the Basilica and then transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in accordance with his final wishes.
Authorities expect around 200,000 faithful to attend the funeral and pay their last respects to a Pope, as well as heads of state, royalty, and religious leaders from around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are all expected to attend the funeral.
People gather in St Peter’s Square on the day of the translation of Pope Francis’ body, which will be transported inside the Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
