Pope Francis' Final Farewell: A Week of Mourning and Reflection
The public funeral rites of Pope Francis will commence this Wednesday at 9 AM, with the transfer of his coffin to St. Peter's Basilica, allowing the faithful three days to pay their last respects. The pontiff, who passed away Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke after months of respiratory issues, will lie in state for the viewing prior to his burial on Saturday.
As per Pope Francis' wishes, the funerary rites have been simplified. Beginning Wednesday morning, faithful are invited to the basilica to offer their goodbyes, with the temple remaining open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday.
The transfer ceremony will begin with a prayer led by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo. Following the prayer, the body will be moved through Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani before entering St. Peter's Square and proceeding to St. Peter's Basilica through the main entrance. The Liturgy of the Word will be presided over by the camerlengo at the Altar of the Confession beneath the baldachin, marking the start of public visitation.
On Saturday, April 26, the funeral service will be held at 10 AM local time (8 AM GMT) in St. Peter's Square. This momentous occasion is expected to see the attendance of world leaders and dignitaries. After the service, the coffin will be interred at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, as was expressed in the pontiff's will.
In his last moments, Pope Francis conveyed gratitude to his personal health assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, urging him to take his final papal journey in the papamobile and greet the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. 'Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,' were some of the last words he reportedly uttered, underscoring his devotion to connecting with the people.
Early that fateful Monday morning, signs of the pope’s deterioration were noted, and despite swift medical intervention, he lapsed into a coma shortly after greeting Strappetti. Sources close to him said he did not suffer; everything unfolded rapidly.
As the Church prepares for the conclave, which is set to occur between May 5 and 15, the loss of Pope Francis prompts reflection on his legacy. The conclave process will not commence until after the nine-day mourning period known as the Noveidiales, in which masses will be held in memory of the deceased pontiff. Complicating the situation is the fact that the 135 cardinals from 71 countries who will convene to choose the next pope represent a diverse and often divided group, each bringing different visions for the Church's future.
The differences in the current electoral body compared to that which gathered twelve years ago to select Jorge Bergoglio highlight this divide. The number of cardinal electors under 80 significantly exceeds previous instances, along with the increased representation of various countries.
In the wake of Pope Francis' passing, the world mourns a leader who dedicated his life to advocating for the marginalized. His final days serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people, embodying the spirit of service that characterized his papacy. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary pontiff, a collective hope rises for the future of the Catholic Church and the chosen successor who will lead it forward.
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