Pope Francis: Emotional Scenes As Pontiff's Body is Carried From His Residence To Vatican Basilica
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
- The body of Pope Francis has been transferred from his Santa Marta residence to St Peter's Basilica.
Source: Getty Images
A heavy silence hung over St Peter’s Square, broken only by the tolling of the great basilica bells and the soft murmur of prayers as the pontiff's body was carried in a solemn procession from his residence at the Santa Marta guesthouse to the heart of Vatican City.
The emotional scenes, witnessed by thousands gathered in the square, marks the beginning of a mourning period for the 88-year-old Bishop of Rome, who passed away on Monday, April 21, following a stroke.
The transfer of his body from the Vatican hotel where he lived in modesty throughout his papacy to St Peter’s Basilica was steeped in tradition and reverence.
Pallbearers, clad in black suits and white gloves, gently lifted the simple wooden coffin onto their shoulders, leading the procession through the Vatican’s gates and into the iconic piazza.
Red-robed cardinals, bishops in purple vestments, candle-bearing friars, and the unmistakable Swiss Guards in their ceremonial blue and gold uniforms followed the coffin, accompanied by the Latin psalms sung by the Vatican choir.
At the head of the procession was Cardinal Kevin Farrell, currently overseeing the Vatican’s affairs until the election of a new pope.
"Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow we now accompany the mortal remains of our Pope Francis to the Vatican Basilica. As we now leave this home, let us thank the Lord for the countless gifts He bestowed on the Christian people through His servant, Pope Francis.
Let us ask Him, in His mercy and kindness, to grant to the late Pope an eternal home in the kingdom of heaven, and to comfort with the celestial hope the papal family, the Church in Rome, and the faithful throughout the world," Cardinal Farrell said solemnly, as reported by Vatican News while clouds of incense filled the air and the Litany of Saints rang out.
As the coffin emerged into the square, mourners broke into soft applause, a traditional Italian gesture of farewell and respect.
Many held candles, rosaries, and flags from different nations, underscoring the global reach and deep affection Pope Francis inspired.
Source: Getty Images
Once inside the basilica, the coffin was placed in front of the altar, and one by one, pairs of cardinals, bishops, priests, and nuns approached to bow and make the sign of the cross.
The basilica will remain open around the clock until Friday, April 25 evening, allowing people from all walks of life to file past the coffin and pay their final respects.
Heads of state and dignitaries from around the world are expected to arrive ahead of the funeral service scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
The Vatican has confirmed that the funeral will follow the rites outlined for a reigning pope, a testament to the significance of Francis’ papacy.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, following a sudden stroke and cardiac arrest.
In his final moments, he expressed gratitude to his longtime nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, for facilitating a surprise appearance in his popemobile on Easter Sunday, his first such outing since recovering from a serious five-week battle with double pneumonia.
Despite doctors' recommendations for a two-month rest, the pope continued working up until his final day.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
