The Vatican released on Tuesday (22) the first images of Pope Francis in the coffin in the residence House Santa Marta .
The ceremony, which has begun, will be the first to occur in an unprecedented and simpler format, as determined by the pontiff itself.
Francisco died at the age of 88 This Monday. The Vatican released his final will late this afternoon.
The text specified that Francis wanted to be buried “on the floor, without special decoration”, but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
Funeral ritual is divided into three main stations. The first started at the residence of Casa Santa Marta, a place chosen by Francisco when he took over the papacy, far from the luxury of the Apostolic Palace.
After confirming the death by the Camerlengo, the body was embalmed and dressed in liturgical vestments.
This movement will mark the beginning of a period of three days of public funeral, allowing the faithful to pay their last honors to the Pontiff.
Simplification of funeral rites
The pontiff chose to be buried in a zinc coffin, contained within a wooden, a decision that breaks with the papal tradition.
Previously, three coffins were used: one of cypress, a noble wood; one of lead; and another of oak. This traditional technique aimed to slow the decomposition of the body.
The reduction in the number of coffins was one of the ways chosen by Francisco to simplify the papal funeral rites.
The transfer of the body to the Basilica of São Pedro marks the official beginning of the farewell ceremonies.
The Holy See said on Tuesday (22) that Pope Francis’ funeral will begin next Saturday (26), in the Basilica of St. Peter, from 10am, local time, (5h in Brasilia).
During the next three days, faithful from around the world will have the opportunity to say goodbye to what is considered one of the most popular popes in the modern history of the Catholic Church.
This content was originally published in Vatican releases first images of Pope Francis in the coffin; Watch video on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
