Vatican City – The somber transfer of Pope Francis’ coffin to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City began this morning, following a prayer ceremony at the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. The doors of the basilica were opened to the public, allowing over 20,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pay their final respects to the late pontiff on Wednesday.

The wooden platform holding Pope Francis’ coffin rested before the altar, solemnly placed close to ground level as pilgrims paused to offer prayers before continuing in a dignified procession. The late pontiff’s body will lie in state until his funeral Mass on Saturday at St. Mary Major Basilica, to be officiated by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The procession was a poignant sight, with the Vatican “sediari” – bearers who historically carried the portable papal throne – moving the coffin through St. Peter’s Square on their shoulders, accompanied by cardinals in Rome. Emotions ran high among onlookers, some unable to contain tears as they silently followed the poignant journey of the beloved “pope of the peripheries.”

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, in his capacity as camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the ceremony for the closing of Pope Francis’ coffin on Friday evening. The transfer of the coffin from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica evoked visible emotion, underscoring the deep connection and reverence felt for the pontiff.

The act of conveying Pope Francis’ body to its resting place was a moving tribute to his legacy, with bishops, cardinals, and Vatican officials walking alongside the coffin, flanked by the stoic Swiss Guards in formal formation. The final journey of Pope Francis, revered by many as a symbol of compassion and humility, elicited profound expressions of sorrow and respect from those in attendance.