A procession of cardinals on April 23 led the casket containing the mortal remains of Pope Francis into St. Peter’s, where it would lie in state for two days

By Vatican Media/ITV staff (Photos by Grzegorz Galazka)

The Rite of Translation of the body of Pope Francis took place in the Vatican on the morning of April 23 led by the College of Cardinals, gathered in Rome following his death.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, began the liturgical rite in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta with a brief prayer for the soul of Pope Francis, and thanked God for the Pope’s 12-year ministry.

“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,” he prayed. “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.”

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Swiss Guards accompany the casket of Pope Francis through the crowded piazza into St. Peter’s Basilica, where he would lie in state for two days. (Photo: Grzgorz Galazka)

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The faithful join with the entire Church to pray for the soul of Pope Francis

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Crowds of the faithful wait to enter St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis while he lies in state on April 24 and 25. His funeral was on the morning of Saturday, April 26. (Galazka photos)

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Members of the press and others present to pay their respects stand before the casket of Pope Francis as he lies at the altar of St. Peter’s, with both Vatican gendarmes and Swiss Guard in attendance.

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The April 26 funeral Mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

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A habited cleric moves silhouetted in front of the Loggia window in the middle of the facade of St. Peter’s where the Popes appear to give their Blessing. From this place the newly-elected Pope will bless crowds in the piazza below. (Galazka photos)

sede vacante

This is the Vatican insignia representing the sede vacante (vacant see). The emblem is used between the death of a Pope and the election of a new one—a period known as the interregnum. The Chair of the Holy See was considered vacant as of April 21, 2025, when Pope Francis passed away. (CNS illustration/Tim Meko)