Pope Francis’ Mortal Remains Transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for Public Veneration

VATICAN CITY, 23 April 2025: The mortal remains of Pope Francis were solemnly transferred from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, where his body will lie in state until his funeral on Saturday. The Rite of Translation was led by the College of Cardinals, who have convened in Rome following the Pope’s death.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, commenced the liturgical rite with a prayer in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. In his opening words, he thanked God for the late Pope’s twelve years of faithful service, and prayed for eternal rest for his soul.

“As we now leave this home, let us thank the Lord for the countless gifts He bestowed on the Christian people through His servant, Pope Francis,” Cardinal Farrell prayed. “Let us ask Him to grant to the late Pope an eternal home in the kingdom of heaven, and to comfort with celestial hope the papal family, the Church in Rome, and the faithful throughout the world.”

The procession then moved reverently through Santa Marta Square, under the Arch of the Bells, and into St. Peter’s Square. Over 20,000 mourners gathered in silence, breaking into gentle, sustained applause as the Pope’s coffin was carried up the steps of the basilica.

Inside, the coffin was placed before the Altar of the Confession. The choir chanted the *Litany of the Saints* in Latin, invoking prayers for the repose of the Pope’s soul. Cardinal Farrell then led a brief Liturgy of the Word, featuring a reading from the Gospel of John (17:24–26), in which Jesus prays for His disciples to know God’s love.

The rite concluded with the singing of the *Salve Regina*, the traditional Marian hymn: “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy.”

Afterwards, members of the College of Cardinals approached to pay their final respects. The faithful present in the basilica followed, queuing in solemn prayer and reflection.

St. Peter’s Basilica will remain open for public veneration until midnight on Wednesday (3:30 AM IST, Thursday), from 7 AM to midnight on Thursday (10:30 AM IST to 3:30 AM IST, Friday), and from 7 AM to 7 PM on Friday (10:30 AM IST to 10:30 PM IST).

The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, 26 April at 10 AM (1:30 PM IST), presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, consecrated religious, and lay faithful from around the world will gather to bid farewell.

Following the Mass, the late Pope’s body will be returned to the basilica and later taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will be laid to rest.

Courtesy: Vatican News

Image credit: Getty Images