The final funeral rite for the late leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is being held today, Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Ahead of the late pontiff’s burial Mass, a solemn ritual was held to close his coffin, which had been on display to the public for the past three days.
A video shared by EWTN GB on Facebook captured the sacred ceremony marking the closure of Pope Francis’ coffin.
The video, which the media outlet indicated was a private ceremony, showed Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, placing a white silk veil over the late Pope’s face.
This deeply symbolic act, according to EWTN, forms part of the traditional papal funeral rites.
After the face was covered, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is currently overseeing the Church’s administration, signed a document alongside Archbishop Ravelli.
The document was then sealed and placed beside Pope Francis’ mortal remains before the coffin was closed.
More about Pope Francis’ death and funeral:
The pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, was pronounced dead on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Reports indicate that Pope Francis died from a stroke while recovering from pneumonia, which had kept him hospitalised for five weeks.
Given the late pontiff’s global stature, about 130 foreign delegations from various countries, along with approximately 200,000 pilgrims, have gathered in Vatican City, Rome, to mourn his passing.
After the burial Mass, being held at St. Peter’s Square, the late Pope will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Watch the video of the closing of Pope Francis’ coffin below:
