Victor EzejaThe Vatican has scheduled the burial of Pope Francis to take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square.
Aged 88, Pope Francis died on Monday, at the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, a day after Easter, when Christians all over the world commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to a statement released on Tuesday by the Holy See Press Office, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the world.
It added that the Euchariistic celebration will conclude with what it called the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, which marks the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
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The Pope’s body will subsequently be moved into St. Peter’s Basilica and finally to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for interment.
Prime Business Africa reports that the late Pontiff’s body is currently lying in state at the Casa Santa Marta chapel in the Vatican City.
The Pope’s remains will be moved from the Casa Santa Marta chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, 23 April, so that the faithful can pay their respects.
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The rite of Translation will be presided over by the Holy Roman Church Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. It will start with a prayer at 9:00 AM.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs before exiting through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and entering the Vatican Basilica through the central door.
Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word at the Altar of the Confession, followed by visits to the Roman Pontiff’s body.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
