The transfer of the coffin containing the body of Pope Francis from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica began today in the Vatican around 9 a.m. local time in Rome.
Once inside the basilica, the papal Camerlegno, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who governs the Church during the sede vecante until a new pope is elected, will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, after which visits to the Pope’s body will begin with his official lying in state.
Pope Francis’s funeral will be held Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m., Rome local time, in St. Peter’s Square. It will be presided over by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
