This photo taken on April 21, 2025 and handout on April 22, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis in his open coffin during the rite of the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff at the Chapel of Santa Marta in The Vatican. Vatican Media/AFP   

VATICAN – The body of Pope Francis will be transferred today from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the public to pay their final respects to the late pontiff.

A prayer to be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will begin at 9 a.m. in Rome, followed by a procession and the transfer of Pope Francis’ remains to St. Peter’s Basilica.

The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs before entering St. Peter’s Square through the Arch of the Bells. From there, the Pope’s body will be brought through the central door of the basilica, where further rites and prayers will take place.

St. Peter’s Basilica will remain open to those wishing to pay tribute during the following hours: Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until midnight, Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Holy See has released the schedule for Pope Francis’ funeral along with the first public photos and videos of the late pontiff. 

He is dressed in red vestments, wearing a papal mitre, and holding a rosary.

His coffin is made of Cyprus wood, a simple material with deep Christian symbolism—representing humility, purity, and hope in the resurrection.

With rosary in hand: First images of Pope Francis in open coffin released

Traditionally, a papal coffin contains a Rogito—a document narrating the life and service of the Pope—along with coins marking each year of his papacy, palliums symbolizing ecclesiastical authority, and an open book of the Gospels placed on top. These reflect the values and traditions of the Catholic Church, as well as Pope Francis’ own humility.

The Vatican has scheduled the funeral Mass for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, following the meeting of the College of Cardinals. The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, alongside senior Church leaders, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the world.

As the world says farewell, prayers and reflections for Pope Francis continue to pour in.

Fr. Jasper Española, a Capuchin priest, shared, “He was like a grandfather, always supportive even during crises in the Philippines. He never left us—he was there praying for us. That’s why this loss is deeply saddening.”

Maria Cristina Gasata, a pilgrim from the Philippines, said, “I felt sadness, a bit of disappointment too, because I really wanted to see him in person. Until now, we’re still longing to see Pope Francis’ body.”

Many Filipinos who traveled to the Vatican recalled personal encounters with Pope Francis. 

“It was up close and personal—we were right in front of Papa Kiko, and we saw how much he loved the Filipino people,” Patrick Yap said.

Super Typhoon Yolanda victims remember day Pope Francis brought hope

Rene Ramos also remembered the Pope’s visit to Leyte after Typhoon Yolanda. 

“He was joyful. I remember it was during a storm,  but he really loved the Filipino people—he loved the Philippines,” Ramos said

According to his final testament, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, fulfilling his spiritual will.

In the coming days, thousands of faithful and Church leaders are expected to arrive in the Vatican to honor the man known as the People’s Pope—a leader celebrated for his compassion for the poor, his advocacy for migrants, and his promotion of peace across the world.