Death of Pope Francis: Pope Leichnam in St. Peter’s Basilica

The body of the late Pope Francis was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The dead Pontifex was carried into the open coffin from the Casa Santa Marta residence, where Francis died on Monday at the age of 88. He was accompanied by eight guardians of the Swiss guard. Several dozen cardinals also took part in the procession. In addition, the mourning ring sounded from the greatest bell of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The dead Pope will now be laid out in the largest church of Christianity by Friday evening. Several ten thousand people are expected. The first believers were already in the morning to get into the cathedral. When the coffin was carried to the square, applause opened.

On Easter Sunday, Francis had been driving across the square in Papamobil after the Urbi et Orbi blessing. That was the last time that the public got him to see him alive. The native Argentinian – at the age of 88 the second oldest Pope in history – already looked very weak. The morning after that he died.

Rome under the highest safety precautions

On Saturday there is a large funeral service with state guests from all over the world and then the burial. The safety precautions will then be enormous. Rome is already in a state of emergency.

The Pope from Argentina will not find his last rest in St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the Marienkirche Santa Maria Maggiore near Rome’s main station. So he had it in his will. Only his name in Latin is said to be on the grave slab: Franciscus. Not even an indication that he was a Pope should exist. Work is currently still being made at the grave. The access is blocked with a wooden plate.

Graduations are now less pompous

Francis had ordered during his lifetime that burials of popes will be less pompous in the future than before. In St. Peter’s Basilica, his body is now also – unlike the emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. In January 2023 – not to be seen on a catafal, a high bahr. Francis is located in a simple wooden coffin. In addition, there is no longer the papal bishop’s rod as a symbol of rule. He wears a red robe and a white bishop’s mitra. A rosary is wrapped around the hands.

The coffin will then be closed on Saturday. Politicians and church representatives from all over the world will be part of the great mourning frequency on St. Peter’s Square: US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj, EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, Un-General Secretary António Guterres and many more. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the executive Chancellor Olaf Scholz come from Germany.

“Funeral diplomacy” on the edge of the funeral celebrations

Encounters on such occasions are called “funeral diplomacy”. For Trump, it is the first trip abroad after his return to office. Most recently, with his customs projects, he ensured turmoil worldwide. The topic on the edge could also be the peace efforts for Ukraine. According to the White House, the US President only wants to come to Rome for a single day.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin does not come. There has been an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court since 2023. When landing in Italy, he would have to expect the arrest. The background is the invasion of the neighboring country he ordered.

The police and all other security forces face a logistical mammoth task in view of the expected rush of believers and the many state guests. Because of the Holy Year 2025, Rome is still fuller than usual in Easter week. According to estimates, around a million tourists are currently in the Italian capital. In addition, pilgrims will make their way to say goodbye to the Pope.

After the funerals, the conclave focuses on, which should begin in early May. Actually, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are entitled to choose the new Pope. However, two cardinals – the emeritus archbishop of Valencia, Antonio Cañizares (79), and the emeritus archbishop of Sarajevo, Vinko Puljić (79) – canceled for health reasons. This will probably now decide 133 churchmen about who will be the successor.

Bookmakers have Italian cardinal slogans as favorites

The electoral courses are secret. The conclave can be over after a few hours, but also take days. There is no time limit. To choose from, the new Pontifex needs a two -thirds majority. When he is chosen, white smoke rises from a chimney. Until then, the smoke is black.

The previous number two of the Vatican, the Italian cardinal Pietro parolin, is currently the favorite. However, several other names are also given. In addition, there are always surprises in Pope elections. Also with the election of Francis 2013, which at that time succeeded the resigned Benedict XVI. Completed, many had not expected.