Pope Francis’ Funeral Mass Set for Saturday Morning

The coffin of the late Pope Francis will be officially sealed during a solemn rite on Friday evening, which will bring an end to public viewing ahead of his funeral on Saturday morning.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the Rite of Sealing, a traditional Vatican ceremony marking the final stage of papal preparations before burial. According to The Vatican News, the ritual will take place inside St Peter’s Basilica and will be attended by senior Cardinals, Vatican clergy, and papal staff.

More than 50,000 mourners have paid their respects since the Pope’s body was placed in state on Wednesday. Public viewing concluded early Thursday morning, following extended hours at the Basilica.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is set for 10:00 AM on Saturday and will be led by Cardinal Re. It will also begin the Novemdiales, nine days of mourning Masses, continuing until May 5.