Pope Francis’ wooden coffin was sealed on Friday night, in a private rite that officially ends three days of his body lying in state at the Vatican.
About 250 000 people filed through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Francis, who was the first pope from Latin America and the first from the Jesuit order.
The liturgical rite of closing his coffin was led by the Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the church, who is tasked with making arrangements for the pope’s funeral. Farrell, a Dublin-born cleric who became a naturalised American citizen, was formerly the Bishop of Dallas, in Texas.
Other church officials assisted, including the Venezuelan archbishop, the Brazilian prelate and the late pope’s secretaries, according to the Vatican press office. A US cardinal accused of mismanaging clerical sexual abuse – the retired archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahony – has also been listed as playing an official role.
Some relatives of the late pope also participated in the rite, according to the Vatican.
The ceremony, which took place behind closed doors, included several short songs, spoken prayers and a moment for silent prayer.
Farrell spread a white silk veil over the late pope’s face and sprinkled the body with holy water, according to an order of service released by the Vatican press office earlier this week.
In keeping with tradition, the camerlengo placed several possessions inside the coffin before sealing it, including the pope’s pallium – the long white robe he wore – coins minted during his pontificate and a deed summarising the highlights of his tenure.
The rite concluded with a hymn to Mary.
“During the night, the Chapter of St. Peter’s will ensure a presence of prayer and vigil at the body of the Pontiff, until the preparations for Holy Mass tomorrow (Saturday) morning,” the Vatican said in a statement after the rite ended. (CNN)
