Vatican prepares for goodbye to Francis with leaders from around the world

Pope Francis’ body will be transferred on Wednesday (23) to the São Pedro Basilica in the Vatican, where it will be publicly veiled before the funeral scheduled for Saturday (26). The ceremony is expected to bring together about 1.5 million faithful and at least 200 heads of state and government in one of the largest farewells ever organized by the Holy See.

Argentine pontiff Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who occupied Pedro’s throne for 12 years, died on Monday (21) at the age of 88, due to a stroke and heart failure. Its burial will take place in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maior – a rare and symbolic decision, which has only parallel in the funeral of Pope Leo XIII in 1903.

Also read: Pope Francis propagated love, tolerance and solidarity, says Lula

Global leaders confirm presence

Among the world leaders who confirmed presence are President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Donald Trump (USA), Javier Milei (Argentina) and Emmanuel Macron (France). In a video released on Monday night, Lula highlighted the importance of the pontiff for the most vulnerable.

“Francis was the porridge of welcoming and so we woke up a little orphans of his affection today. A affection that was free from prejudice and judgments. In a world that suffers from discrimination and insecurity. For Francisco, we are all brothers created to love each other. Because we are all brothers, there is no reason for so much discord, so many war, so many wars and so much. Of the excluded, the poor, the wronged, the immigrants, the no voice, the victims of abandonment and hunger, ”said the president.

Solemn rituals until burial

The funeral program follows the rites defined in the The Roman Pontiff. The body will be taken from the chapel of Santa Marta House to the Basilica of St. Peter on the morning of Wednesday (23), at 9am (local time), preceded by a prayer led by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

Also read: Mundo loses Francisco, the most progressive of Popes and 1st Latin American

The Mass of Exequias will be celebrated on Saturday, at 10am on the local time of Rome (5 am Brasília) at the atrium of the Basilica of St. Peter, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista re. After the rites of Ultima Recommendation and from AWieldingthe coffin will be led to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maior, where it will be buried. The ceremony is open to the public.

Conclave begins after mourning

With the death of Francis, the Church enters the period of Novedial – Nine days of mourning and prayers. At the same time, the College of Cardinals begins to meet at general congregations to organize the conclave that will choose the new Pope. There are 252 cardinals today, 138 under 80 years old and able to vote – among them, seven Brazilians.

The dates and details of the election will still be defined, but the process of choosing the new pontiff should occur between 15 and 20 days after the death, as established by the tradition of the Church.

__
with agencies