Cardinals seal Pope Francis’ coffin, formally ending his lying in state at the Vatican

To begin the funeral Mass of Pope Francis that will last for about two hours, the pontiff's coffin, first in his name, was installed in St.Peter's Square after 4 AM (Chile time).The coffin of the late Pope Francis had been sealed in a ritual in St.Peter's Basilica on Friday night, after about 250,000 pilgrims presented their respects to the Pope born in Argentina, according to the Vatican.Unlike his predecessors, they were buried in three nested…

As Pope’s Casket Is Sealed, He Is Remembered for Simplicity, Humility

U.S. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, sprinkles Pope Francis’ body with holy water before his casket is sealed during a prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 25, 2025. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media) by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – After an estimated 250,000 people had passed by the body of Pope Francis, lying in an open casket in front of the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica, the casket wa…

Cardinals seal Pope Francis’ coffin, formally ending his lying in state at the Vatican

Pope Francis’ wooden coffin was sealed on Friday night, in a private rite that officially ends three days of his body lying in state at the Vatican.

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed Friday evening ahead of Saturday funeral

Pope Francis' body is blessed in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media CNA Staff, Apr 25, 2025 / 10:13 am (CNA). Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed in a liturgical rite this evening ahead of his solemn funeral, set to take place the next morning on Saturday, April 26.  Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin beginning at 8 p.m. Rome time April 25,…

President Higgins attends lying in state of Pope Francis in St Peter's Basilica

He and his wife Sabina paid their respects to the late pontiff this afternoon.

Irish president to attend lying in state of Pope Francis

The people of Ireland have ‘appreciation’ for the life of the late pontiff, Michael D Higgins has said.