At 20 a.m. the ceremony of closing the coffin of Pope Francis began in the Vatican Basilica. This is a unique moment that attracted the attention of hundreds of thousands of believers and introduced new elements to Vatican funeral rites.
Symbolics and conduct of the coffin closure ceremony
The closure of Pope Francis' coffin is not only the ending of the public display of the body, but also an important ritual, which emphasizes the transition to the "House of the Father". The ceremony was attended by the most important hierarchs of the Church, including cardinal chamberling Kevin Farrell, dean of the Giovanni Battista Re College of Cardinals, and the papal almsman of Cardinal Konrad Krajewski.
During the ceremony, a bag of coins minted during the pontificate of Francis and a special document was inserted into the coffin – "The Act of Transition to the House of the Father of His Holiness Francis". Rogito is a sealed and signed act that contains the most important information about the life and pontificate of the Pope – from key religious events, by encyclicals, to cardinal nominations.
New traditions and simplifications
Pope Francis introduced significant changes in funeral rites. The traditional three coffins (cypress, lead and oak) were abandoned for the benefit of two – wood and zinc. The body of the Pope was already exhibited in a coffin, not on a catafalcus, which was supposed to emphasize the simplicity and pastoral character of farewell.
It is worth noting that the face of the Holy Father was covered with a white silk scarf – this symbolic reference to prayer for eternal light for the deceased.
Crowds of believers and a unique atmosphere
St Peter's Basilica was open to the faithful until 19 o'clock. In just one day, more than 50,000 people paid tribute to the Pope, and by Friday afternoon the number increased to 150 thousand. This shows how much the Pope Francis enjoyed and how strong the emotion sparks his departure.
After the closure of the coffin, the final preparations for the Saturday funeral ceremony, which will take place in St Peter's Square, then the funeral conduct will go to Our Lady's Basilica – a place particularly close to the heart of Francis.
What else was in the Pope's coffin?
In addition to horns and coins, other symbols of the pontificate are also placed in the coffin, which are to remind of the achievements and spiritual heritage of Pope Francis. It is a tradition that combines the history of the Church with the personal path of every successor of St Peter.
The most important elements placed in the Pope's coffin:
- Grzygto document – description of pontificate and life
- Coins minted during pontificate (as many years as the pontificate lasted)
- Other symbols related to papal service
The ceremony of closing the coffin of Pope Francis is not only the farewell of the great spiritual leader, but also the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Church. The simplified rituals and symbolic gestures, such as the insertion of horns, emphasize both the humility and the uniqueness of Francis' pontificate. This event will remain in the memory of the faithful throughout the world for a long time.
