The coffin with the body of Pope Francis, who died on Monday as a result of a stroke and cardiac arrest, was transferred to St. Peter's Basilica in a solemn procession from his Santa Marta residence in the Vatican.
Cardinals with red hats, archbishops, priests with candles in their hands, and Swiss guards with helmets, walked slowly in the large square in front of the basilica, accompanied by psalms, prayers in Latin, and bells….
Fourteen people in white gloves and black suits carried the wooden coffin containing the Pope's body as thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square applauded and immediately called him a saint. The procession was led by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who will lead the Vatican until a new leader is elected.
A mass was held after the coffin passed through the giant bronze doors and was placed inside the Basilica. From 11 a.m. the doors were opened for all those who want to say goodbye to the head of the Holy See. Homage to the public will be allowed until 7 p.m. on Friday, as at 8 p.m., as the Vatican announced, the rite of closing the coffin by the Camerlengo will take place.
The funeral ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, with at least 250,000 people expected to attend. Tens of thousands have already arrived at the Vatican to pay their respects to the popular Pope, with 100 delegates and world leaders confirmed to attend, including US President Donald Trump.
Also present will be patriarchs, cardinals and archbishops from around the globe, and the mass will be presided over by the head of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re.
A conclave to elect a new pope is not expected to begin until May 6. Cardinals now meeting in Rome will set the date after what are often lengthy discussions. There are no clear contenders to succeed Francis, but British bookmakers have Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino reformist, and Italian Pietro Parolin as favourites. The two were standing side by side in the basilica, surrounded by 80 other cardinals. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
