Seal Pope Francis’s coffin

This Friday, April 25, at 8:00 p.m., the closing rite of Pope Francis, a solemn and private ceremony, loaded with symbolism in which the pontiff’s body for his grave is prepared.

Mons. Diego Ravelli, a master of the pontifical liturgical celebrations, was in charge of writing the Deedan official act in which the most important life and works of Pope Francis are remembered, “for which we will thank God,” according to the The Roman Pontiff.

This document was introduced into a metal tube, sealed and lacked for posterity, and introduced inside the coffin. Another copy of the minutes will become part of the archive of the office of the liturgical ceremonies of the Pontiff.

He documentpublished by El Vaticano after the ritual, he travels his biography and the most relevant moments of his life since he was chosen successor of San Pedro.

It emphasizes especially the gift of his “brave and faithful” service to the Gospel and the wife of Christ. “His memory remains in the heart of the Church and all humanity,” reads the text.

It also emphasizes its simplicity and closeness with people, something that demonstrated from the beginning of its pontificate in March 2013, with the choice of the name “Francisco” and its decision to live in the Santa Marta house instead of the Apostolic Palace.

“It was a constant defender of the poorest, the elderly, the discarded and the children,” says the document. It also highlights his tireless work in the interreligious dialogue and it is remembered that he summoned 10 consistories and created 163 cardinals from 73 countries.

Special mention deserves its prayer alone, in a Plaza de San Pedro Vacía, during the Covid pandemic. In it deedalready placed next to its mortal remains, its numerous calls for peace are also pointed out, especially in countries such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon and Myanmar.

It also recalls its wide teaching, composed of 4 encyclicals, 7 apostolic exhortations and 39 apostolic constitutions. In addition, written will remain for history the reform of the Roman curia with the Constitution Preach the Gospel and legislation against abuse in the Church.

“Francisco has left everyone an admirable testimony of humanity, holy life and universal paternity,” concludes the act.

Before sealing the coffin, the Holy Father’s face was covered with a white veil that symbolizes purity. In addition, a fabric bag with gold, silver, and bronze coin coined during their pontificate was also introduced inside the coffin.

In the ritual a small group of members of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, the secretaries of Pope Francis, Daniel Pellizon, Juan Cruz Villalón and Fabio Salerno, and other people admitted by the master of the Pontifical Liturgical celebrations, Mons. Diego Ravelli.

After this ceremony, everything is prepared for the funeral of Pope Francis, who will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10 in the morning in the Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano.

The ritual took place at the altar of the confession of the Basilica of San Pedro and was chaired by Cardinal Camerlengo, Kevin Farrell.

A small group of members of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, the secretaries of Pope Francis, Daniel Pellizon, Juan Cruz Villalón and Fabio Salerno, and relatives of Pope Francis, also participated in it.

After this ceremony, which ended at 9:00 p.m., everything is prepared for the funeral, which will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10 in the morning in the Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano.

During the night, the San Pedro chapter will ensure a presence of prayer and vigil before the body of the pontiff, to the preparations of the morning Mass in the morning.