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Vatican City (AP) — The Vatican opened St. Peter’s Cathedral to the public Wednesday to pay ultimate respect to the Pope Francis.
Francis’ body will be in the Cathedral nation until Saturday’s funeral and burial.
Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
Previously, when his body was moved from the hotel in the Vatican, St. Peter’s bell was escorted by a strict cardinal and Swiss security guard, greeting the same palace that he had lived in the cathedral, so that he greeted his Pope residents a few days before his last good days to the faithful people from his Popemaville.
Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell digs incense around the body of Pope Francis inside the Vatican’s Cathedral, St. Peter, where he lay in the state for three days. (AP Photo/Andrew Medicini, Pool)
Paul Bearer carried a simple wooden ffin on his shoulder through the gates of the Vatican archway, into the square and cathedral of St. Peter, a cardinal cassock, a bishop in a purple robe, and a guard in a golden and blue uniform behind him.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who was temporarily running through the Vatican until a new Pope was elected, led a procession with clouds of incense ahead of him as the church choir began to chant Rittany of the saint’s hymn. In pairs, the Cardinals approached the Cas, bowed to create a sign of the cross, followed by a small group of bishops, guides, priests and nuns.
The head of state is expected at Francis’ funeral on Saturday, but three days of public viewing at the cathedral will allow ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old Pope. The cathedral was left open until midnight to accommodate the crowds. This is a mourning that ends at 7pm on Friday when Francis’ cas was closed and sealed.
The mourners in the square saw Francis’ cas pass them along the same path they had traveled a few days ago on Easter Sunday, becoming his last popemovie tour through the faithful. It was a surprising salute. Francis made the decision at the very end after being assured by the nurse despite his frail health from pneumonia.
The simplified ritual reflects Francis’ wishes
Francis’ death and funeral will begin a carefully organized transitional period in the strong Catholic church of 1.4 billion, and gather for next week before the Cardinal enters Conclave, a secret ritual vote at the Sistine Chapel to elect new people. There are 135 cardinals under the age of 80, and are eligible to vote in the Conclave, and the new bishop will likely come from within their ranks. The conclave is not scheduled to begin by May 5th.
Francis was lying in the province at the beginning of the Domus Santa Marta Hotel, private viewing for Vatican residents and the Pope’s home. Images released by the Vatican on Tuesday show Francis lying in an open cas, wearing a traditional pointed headdress of a bishop and a red robe, with his hands folded over the rosary. The second of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was portrayed in prayer by Francis.
Entering inside the cathedral, Francis’ cas, not placed on the elevated beer, as in the case of the past Popes, was placed on a ramp sloping to the main altar of the 16th century cathedral, with four Swiss security guards paying attention to the sides. It coincided with Francis’ own wish to simplify all rituals surrounding the Pope’s funeral and reflect the Pope’s role as a simple pastor rather than a world leader.
“Lord, kindly look at the life and work of your servant, our Pope Francis,” said Farrell from the altar. “I welcome him into the abode of eternal light and peace, and I acknowledge that your faithful people are eager to follow His footsteps and testify to the gospel of Jesus.”
Italian police strengthened viewing and funeral safety, patrolling feet and horses around the Vatican, and pilgrims continued to arrive for the celebration of the Holy Year, when Francis opened in December. The faithful who pass through the holy door of St. Peter are given the dul, a way to help with sin.
“To me, Pope Francis is a great pastor and a great friend to all of us as well as a great friend,” said Micale Sales, who visited St. Peter’s Cathedral, from Brazil.
“I think he spread a positive message all over the world saying there shouldn’t be violence. There should be peace all over the world,” said Australia’s Amit Kukleha.
Conclave plans are underway
The funeral will be set at St. Peters Square at 10am on Saturday, with leaders such as US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Vold Mirzelensky.
The Cardinals plan a conclave this week to select Francis’ successor, run the Catholic Church as world leader, and continue meetings to make other decisions about ordinary faithful people grieving the Pope’s death.
The first Latin American pope in history fascinated the world with his humble style and interest in the poor, but alienated many conservatives with his criticism of capitalism and climate change. He last made his public appearance on Sunday, giving an Easter blessing and popemobile tour through cheerful crowds of St. Peters Square.
He had some reservations about looping through a square packed with 50,000 faithful news on Tuesday, but overcame them. He passed away the next morning.
“The death of the Pope is not a small thing, because we lost our leader,” said Giulio Henrique of Brazil. So… I still have what I hope. Who would expect Peter’s throne? ”
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