Over 200,000 Faithful Bid Farewell to Pope Francis

Approximately 195,000 faithful visited the open coffin of Benedict XVI. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and ÖVP Chancellor Christian Stocker also paid their last respects to Francis.

Government Leaders on Pope Francis

Van der Bellen told Austrian journalists in Rome that Francis "will go down in history." "He always stood up for the poorest and weakest. He always tried to make peace wherever possible, he was always there," Van der Bellen explained.

For Stocker, Francis was "a bridge builder," and he will be missed by the world. "Austria mourns with the Catholics and many people around the world for Francis, who will be remembered as a very humane pope," said the Chancellor.

On Friday evening, the coffin of the Holy Father, who passed away on Easter Monday, was sealed in a private ceremony. In the otherwise empty church, several cardinals and invited guests were present. According to the Holy See, a white silk cloth was placed over the face of the deceased pontiff according to Catholic rite. An official document with a tribute to the life of the deceased pope was also placed in the coffin. It states: "Francis left everyone an admirable testimony of humanity, holy conduct, and universal fatherhood."

After the ceremony, the Pope's coffin will be taken to the papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the city center of Rome. There, Francis will be laid to rest in a simple grave. Francis is, at his own request, the first Pope in more than a century not to be buried in St. Peter's Basilica. The head of the Catholic Church passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

Major Activity at Rome's Airports

Before the mourning ceremony on Saturday, dozens of delegations from around the world arrived in the Eternal City on Friday. There was major activity at Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. In addition to heads of state and government, several cardinals also arrived. The city has been in a state of emergency for several days.

The conclave to elect the new Pope is likely to begin in early May - again in the Sistine Chapel. Speculation about the future Pontiff is already underway. Every day, the media present churchmen who could be successful at the conclave. This time, a record number of 135 cardinals are eligible to vote for the new Pope. All cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. However, all 252 cardinals, including those not eligible to vote, may participate in the General Congregation beforehand.

The mourning period in the Vatican begins on Saturday, the day of Francis's burial, and ends on May 4th. Every day during this time, a mass for the deceased Pope will be held in St. Peter's Basilica. The celebrations are public and can be attended by all believers.

(APA/Red)

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