VATICAN CITY — The body of Pope Francis was solemnly placed in an open wooden coffin during the official rite of declaration of death, held Monday evening, April 21, at the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his residence in Vatican City.
The rite, which began at 8:00 PM (0800 GMT), was presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Vatican. He read the official declaration confirming the death of the pontiff and validated it in accordance with tradition. The ceremony, which lasted just under an hour, marked the beginning of the formal mourning period for the late pope.
Vatican News reported that Pope Francis’ body will be moved from Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday at 9:00 AM, where it will lie in state for public viewing until his funeral, scheduled on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM (0800 GMT).
In keeping with Pope Francis’ wishes, his body was placed in a simple wooden casket with a zinc lining, rejecting the traditional triple-coffin method used for his predecessors, typically involving cypress, lead, and oak. The decision to use a single wooden casket reflects the late pope’s well-known humility and his desire to simplify papal customs.
Unlike previous popes whose bodies were placed on a bier for the declaration rite, Francis requested a more modest approach. His open coffin was placed within the chapel without additional embellishment, allowing for a quiet and reflective atmosphere during the declaration.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, has served as head of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013. His papacy was marked by efforts to promote social justice, reform church governance, and emphasize mercy and compassion. He was widely respected across religious and secular communities for his openness and focus on serving the poor.
Preparations are underway for what is expected to be a large funeral Mass, drawing dignitaries and faithful from around the world. Pope Francis will be interred in the crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, near the tombs of his predecessors.
Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell presides over the rite of the ascertainment of death and the placement of the late Pope Francis' body in the coffin, which took place on Monday evening in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/63aPKTW9nD
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 22, 2025
The Vatican has declared a nine-day mourning period known as “Novemdiales,” which will be observed following his funeral rites.