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The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, marking the culmination of a period of mourning for the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The announcement followed the release of images showing the late pontiff lying in state, a poignant display for the faithful worldwide. The funeral, scheduled to be held in St. Peter's Square, is expected to draw a vast congregation, including religious leaders and heads of state from across the globe.
The passing of Pope Francis has set in motion a series of ancient and carefully choreographed rituals that precede the election of a new pope. The initial stages involved the preparation of the body, which then was placed in an open coffin, allowing for public viewing. The Vatican has released images of the Pope lying in state within the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, where he resided. He is depicted wearing red vestments and his bishop's miter, with a rosary in his hands.
The body of Pope Francis is to be moved to St. Peter's Basilica, where the public will be able to pay their respects. This procession from the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica is a significant part of the funerary rites. The funeral mass itself, to be held on Saturday, will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. It will be a concelebrated mass, involving patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the world.
A notable aspect of Pope Francis's funeral arrangements is his expressed desire to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, rather than the traditional papal burial site within St. Peter's Basilica. This decision breaks with established precedent and reflects the late pontiff's personal preferences. The planed burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, shows the popes own desires, and how he wanted his final resting place to be.
The gathering of cardinals in the Vatican has not only been for the planning of the funeral but also to address the interim administration of the Church. This period between the death of a pope and the election of a new one is governed by established procedures, ensuring the continuity of the Church's operations. The cardinals will also begin the initial preparations for the conclave, the process by which a new pope is elected.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be a moment of profound significance for the Catholic Church and the world. It will be a time for mourning, reflection, and the celebration of his life and legacy. The traditions and rituals surrounding the papal funeral are rich in symbolism, reflecting the deep historical roots of the Catholic Church. The world leaders that are attending, will show the large impact that pope Francis had on the world.
Source@BBC