Pope Francis’ Ardent Chapel Ceremony Concludes
Over 250,000 people paid their respects to Pope Francis during the three-day Ardent Chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica, which concluded on Friday before the funeral.
The casket of the first Latin American pope was closed in a private ceremony led by Cardinal Camerlengo, Kevin Farrell. He draped a white silk veil over the face, sprinkled holy water, and placed a bag containing coins and medals minted during Francis’ papacy.
The cardinal also read the “Rogito,” an official obituary placed inside the casket within a metal tube. The inscription for Francis read, “He was a simple shepherd, much loved.”
His face will no longer be seen. The last to see him were the 250,000 faithful who attended St. Peter’s between Wednesday and Friday, with sessions sometimes extending until the early morning.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Ardent Chapel drew 195,000 people in 2022.
Mexico’s Representation: Rosa Icela Rodríguez
Secretary of Government, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, is now in Vatican City representing President Claudia Sheinbaum to express condolences following Pope Francis’ passing and attend the funeral on Saturday.
Rodríguez shared an image on social media, showing her near the Puerta de la Oración (Door of Prayer) in St. Peter’s Basilica, accompanied by Mexico’s ambassador to the Vatican, Alberto Barranco, and Clara Luz Flores, head of Religious Affairs at the Ministry of Government.
“Franciscus”
Pope Francis’ burial will take place on the same day at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking the first time a pope is buried outside the Vatican since Leo XIII in 1903.
Following the Vatican service, the funeral procession will travel through Rome’s streets to his final residence, passing by iconic monuments like the Colosseum.
His tomb, made of marble and inscribed with “Franciscus,” reflects the simplicity he advocated during his 12-year papacy. A replica of the pope’s pectoral cross will accompany the set.
Italian authorities established an air exclusion zone over Rome and deployed anti-drone units to prevent any suspicious activities. Fighter jets are on standby for intervention, and police helicopters patrol the historic city center.
Snipers have been positioned on rooftops along Via della Conciliazione, leading to St. Peter’s Square, and nearby Janiculum Hill.
“A Little Orphaned”
The pope who arrived “from the end of the world” led the Catholic Church from 2013 with a reformist papacy, earning criticism from the more conservative sector.
The Vatican has not yet announced the date for the conclave that will choose the next spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
“We feel very small. We must make decisions for the entire Church, please pray for us,” said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg. The Jesuit expressed a mix of apprehension and hope regarding the election.
The conclave must be held in the iconic Sistine Chapel within 15 to 20 days following the pope’s death, or sooner if the cardinals decide.
More than two-thirds of the 135 electors were appointed by the late pope.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who attended the Ardent Chapel? Over 250,000 faithful attended the Ardent Chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Who is representing Mexico? Secretary of Government Rosa Icela Rodríguez is representing Mexico in Vatican City.
- Where and when will Pope Francis be buried? Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking the first time a pope is buried outside the Vatican since 1903.
- What measures are being taken for security? Italian authorities have established an air exclusion zone, deployed anti-drone units, and positioned snipers in strategic locations for Pope Francis’ funeral.
- When will the conclave take place? The conclave must be held in the Sistine Chapel within 15 to 20 days following Pope Francis’ death.
