The solemn procession honoring Pope Francis will commence on Wednesday morning, as his body is transferred from the Casa Santa Marta residence, where he resided throughout his papacy. The route will take the procession through both Piazza Santa Marta and the Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani, before moving under the Arch of the Bells and into St Peter’s Square. The journey concludes as the body enters St Peter’s Basilica through the central door.
Before the procession begins, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo responsible for overseeing the papal funeral and conclave, will lead a brief service in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. During this service, he will express gratitude for the gifts Pope Francis provided to the Christian community and pray for the late pontiff’s eternal rest in heaven, offering comfort to the papal family and the worldwide faithful.
Once in St Peter’s Basilica, the Camerlengo will officiate a service known as the Liturgy of the Word, allowing attendees the opportunity to pay their tributes. During this service, participants will recite religious verses, including Psalm 22, which begins, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” In addition, the litany of the saints and the customary Catholic prayers for the deceased will be included in the proceedings.
The service is anticipated to conclude with the Marian Antiphon, a traditional prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Following the service, the public will have a chance to pay their respects to Pope Francis, whose body will lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica for three days. The basilica will remain open for mourners from Wednesday until midnight, from 7am to midnight on Thursday, and from 7am to 7pm on Friday, allowing many to honour the late pope’s legacy.