On Wednesday, the mortal remains of Pope Francis were solemnly carried up the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica and transferred into the Vatican Basilica in a ceremony known as the Rite of Translation. The procession was led by members of the College of Cardinals present in Rome, drawing over 20,000 mourners to St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday from stroke and heart failure, had been a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, known for his humility and outreach to the poor and marginalized. His passing marked the end of a papacy that spanned more than 12 years, during which he became the first Latin American pope and the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years.
The Rite of Translation moved the pope’s body from his residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he had lived since his election in 2013, into the heart of the Vatican Basilica. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, presided over the ceremony, which included prayers and a public visitation allowing the faithful to pay their final respects.
Thousands gathered in the square, reflecting the global outpouring of grief and admiration for a pope who had made significant efforts to modernize the Church and advocate for social justice. The Vatican has scheduled Pope Francis’ funeral for Saturday, April 26, with dignitaries including Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to attend.
In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis greeted worshippers from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, despite his frail health. His unexpected popemobile ride and warm blessing left a lasting impression on the faithful, underscoring his enduring connection to the people.
As the Catholic Church prepares for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope, the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis a leader who championed compassion, unity, and reform during a challenging era for the Church.