Quarter of a million mourners pay respects as Pope Francis’s coffin sealed

On the eve of Pope Francis’s funeral, the Vatican has completed the formal sealing of his coffin following three days of public mourning that saw some 250,000 people file through St Peter’s Basilica.

The late pontiff lay in state before the Confessio altar, dressed in red liturgical vestments with a white mitre and rosary in hand. His simple wooden coffin rested directly on the basilica floor, in accordance with his own wishes.

The Rite of Sealing was led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and began with the reading of a document outlining key moments in Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s life and papal ministry. It praised his pastoral simplicity and his time in Argentina, noting that he lived modestly, travelled by public transport, and cooked for himself.

A silk veil was placed over the Pope’s face by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, before Cardinal Farrell sprinkled the body with holy water. Traditional items were added to the coffin, including a bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate.

A zinc inner coffin was then closed, bearing the papal cross, coat of arms, and a plaque inscribed with the Pope’s name and dates of life and ministry. It was sealed with official emblems from several Vatican offices, before being placed inside the outer wooden coffin.

Psalms were chanted throughout the ceremony, which marks the final moments of Pope Francis’s body lying in state. His funeral will take place in St Peter’s Square on Saturday, with world leaders and thousands of faithful expected to attend.