Pope Francis’ wooden coffin is to be sealed on Friday night, in a private rite that officially ends three days of his body lying in state at the Vatican. About 250,000 people filed through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Francis, who was the first pope from Latin America and the first from the Jesuit order. The liturgical rite of sealing his coffin is being led by the Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the church, who is tasked with making arrangements for the pope’s funeral. Farrell, a Dublin-born cleric who became a naturalized American citizen, was formerly the Bishop of Dallas, in Texas. Other church officials will assist, including the Venezuelan archbishop, the Brazilian prelate and the late pope’s secretaries. A US cardinal accused of mismanaging clerical sexual abuse – the retired archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahony – has also been listed as playing an official role. The ceremony, which will take place behind closed doors, includes several short songs, spoken prayers and a moment for silent prayer. Farrell will spread a white silk veil over the late pope’s face and sprinkle the body with holy water, according to an order of service released by the Vatican press office earlier this week. In keeping with tradition, the camerlengo will place several possessions inside the coffin before sealing it, including the pope’s pallium – the long white robe he wore – coins minted during his pontificate and a deed summarizing the highlights of his tenure. The rite will conclude with a hymn to Mary. As part of Francis’ push to simplify the papal funeral rites, his body is in a single wooden coffin, rather than having three nested coffins of cypress, lead and oak as was tradition. Outside the basilica, the streets leading to the Vatican were much busier on Friday afternoon than they were earlier in the week, with thousands joining the line to file past the coffin before the church closed to the public at 7 p.m. local time (1 p.m. ET). Friday marks the fourth day of national mourning in Italy and a public holiday – Liberation Day – meaning many locals had more time to join the line. Others traveled from much farther away following news of the pope’s death. “It was wonderful to see him,” said Joana Veiga, from Porto, Portugal, who arrived with her sister in the morning. “It was very peaceful – calm.” Her sister missed a chance to see Francis last year in Portugal, and was thankful that they made it in time for his lying in state. Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday on the steps outside of St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET). That will mark the beginning of the ancient tradition of the Novemdiales, nine days of mourning for the deceased pope during which funeral Masses are held each day inside the basilica. His final resting place, in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, will also be simple in style. It will be made of marble from Liguria, northern Italy, where his great-grandfather was from. He asked that the tomb not have ornate decoration, instead only including an image of the cross he wore as Archbishop of Buenos Aires and the Latin inscription of his papal name: Franciscus. CNN’s James Frater contributed to this report.
Cardinals to seal Pope Francis’ coffin, formally ending his lying in state at the Vatican
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Pope Francis' Lying in State Concludes as Coffin is Sealed at Vatican"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Pope Francis’ wooden coffin is set to be sealed during a private ceremony on Friday night, marking the conclusion of his lying in state at the Vatican, which lasted for three days. Approximately 250,000 mourners paid their respects as they filed through St. Peter’s Basilica, commemorating the legacy of the first pope from Latin America and the first from the Jesuit order. The sealing rite will be conducted by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Cardinal Camerlengo and acting head of the church, alongside various church officials, including the Venezuelan archbishop and the late pope's secretaries. Notably, Cardinal Roger Mahony, a retired archbishop with a controversial past regarding clerical sexual abuse, is also expected to play a role in the ceremony. This intimate service will include prayers, songs, and the traditional sprinkling of holy water, culminating in a hymn to Mary. Farrell will also place significant items inside the coffin, such as the pope’s pallium, coins from his papacy, and a document summarizing his achievements as pope, before sealing it shut. In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis chose a single wooden coffin instead of the customary three nested coffins of cypress, lead, and oak, reflecting his desire for simplicity in papal rites.
As the day progressed, the atmosphere outside St. Peter’s Basilica became increasingly lively, with many locals and visitors arriving to pay their respects. Friday coincided with Italy's Liberation Day, a public holiday, allowing more people to join the queue to view the late pope's body before the basilica closed to the public. Mourners like Joana Veiga from Portugal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to see Pope Francis, describing the experience as peaceful and calm. The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time on the steps outside St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the Novemdiales, a nine-day mourning period during which daily funeral Masses will be held. His final resting place will be in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, designed simply with marble from Liguria and featuring only an image of the cross he wore as Archbishop of Buenos Aires along with his papal name in Latin. CNN’s James Frater contributed to this report.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a detailed account of the ceremonial sealing of Pope Francis’ coffin, marking the end of his lying in state at the Vatican. This event, attended by a significant number of mourners, reflects not only on the life and legacy of the pope but also on the traditions surrounding papal funerals. The tone is respectful and somber, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the contributions of Pope Francis.
Purpose of the Article
The primary intention behind this news piece appears to be to inform the public about the final rites for Pope Francis and to highlight the historical context of his papacy. It serves to honor his memory and legacy, particularly as he was the first pope from Latin America and a member of the Jesuit order. The article also subtly reinforces the tradition of the Catholic Church, while noting the efforts of Pope Francis to simplify papal ceremonies.
Public Sentiment
By detailing the respectful attendance of around 250,000 mourners, the article aims to evoke a sense of community and shared grief among readers. The focus on the private nature of the sealing ceremony adds to the solemnity and reverence associated with the event. There is an implicit message of unity among Catholics and a reflection on the pope's impact on the Church and the world.
Potential Concealment
While the article does not overtly hide information, it selectively emphasizes the ceremonial aspects and the participation of various church officials, potentially downplaying controversies surrounding the Church or the late pope's tenure. Mentioning Cardinal Roger Mahony, who has faced criticism for mismanagement regarding clerical sexual abuse, may raise questions about the Church's handling of such issues during the mourning period.
Manipulative Elements
The article's manipulative elements are subtle, primarily focusing on the emotional aspects of mourning and the reverence for the pope. The language used is respectful and dignified, steering clear of controversy. However, the emphasis on the ceremonial aspects may distract from underlying issues within the Church, such as past scandals.
Comparison with Other News
In comparison to other news articles covering similar events, this piece stands out for its focus on the ceremonial details and the personal reflections on Pope Francis. Other reports may delve deeper into the implications of his policies or controversies during his papacy, suggesting a possible divergence in editorial focus.
Impact on Society
This news piece could influence public sentiment towards the Catholic Church, possibly reinforcing a positive image as a community in mourning. The focus on the number of attendees and the ceremonial details may foster a sense of respect and admiration for the late pope, affecting how people perceive the Church's leadership.
Target Audience
The article is likely aimed at Catholics and individuals interested in religious affairs, history, and cultural traditions. It appeals to those who respect the authority of the Church and are interested in the legacy of Pope Francis.
Economic and Political Implications
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets or economies, the public's perception of the Catholic Church can influence social trends and charitable contributions. The Church’s stance on various social issues under Pope Francis has previously affected political discussions, particularly regarding social justice and environmental concerns.
Global Power Dynamics
The passing of a pope can shift dynamics within the Catholic Church, influencing global religious and political landscapes. Pope Francis’ emphasis on social issues has already shifted dialogues in various regions, and his successor will likely continue to shape these discussions.
AI Involvement
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in the writing of this article, given the nuanced and sensitive nature of the subject matter. However, if AI were involved, it might have been used to generate initial drafts or organize the information. The language and emotional tone suggest a human touch, particularly in handling such a delicate topic.
In conclusion, the article serves as a respectful tribute to Pope Francis and highlights the traditions of the Catholic Church, while also subtly navigating the complexities of his legacy. It successfully conveys the significance of the event, although it may gloss over more contentious aspects of his papacy.