Photos show the body of the first Latin American Pope in the chapel of Santa Marta’s residence, dressed in a red and white miter, with a rosary between his hands, while two guards escort the site
THE Vatican published on Tuesday (22) the first images of the body of Pope Francis in the coffin, before a first meeting of cardinals to decide the date of the funeral, which should be attended by world leaders as Donald Trump and Volodimir Zelensky. The photos, recorded on Monday, show the first Latin American pope inside his coffin in the chapel of Santa Marta residence, dressed in a red and white miter, with a rosary between his hands. Two Swiss guards escort the body.
The Holy See is expected to announce the date of the Argentine Jesuit funeral on Tuesday, who died on Monday morning (21) at the age of 88, at the end of the first General Congregation of Cardinals, which in the coming weeks will also define their successor. By the rules of the Holy See, the burial of the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics in the world should take place between Friday and Sunday. According to the Italian press, half a million faithful are expected.
As in 2005, when John Paul II passed away, the funeral will be accompanied by heads of state and monarchs from around the world. American President Donald Trump confirmed his presence, as well as his French homologist Emmanuel Macron, and the Ukrainian, Volodimir Zelensky. “We look forward to being there!” Trump said on Monday, who will be accompanied by his wife Melania.
Prior to the date announcement, some details of the funeral are already known. Unlike his immediate predecessors, Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore of Rome as a place of tomb, with a “simple” tombstone, with only one word: “Franciscus”, his name of Latin Pope. Prior to the burial, the faithful can contemplate their wooden coffin and zinc in the Vatican Basilica of St. Peter, where he will be taken on Wednesday from the residence of Santa Marta, where he died.
Despite the fragile state of health since its hospitalization on February 14 to treat a bronchitis that advanced to bilateral pneumonia, Francisco’s death almost a month after the discharge took the Catholic church by surprise. Thousands of the faithful gathered on Monday night with flowers and candles in prayer in St. Peter’s Square, where on Sunday Francisco, visibly shot down, traveled the place aboard the PapaMobile and waved to the crowd to celebrate Easter.
The Pope of the Last
“It’s sad and unfortunate news,” he told AFP Concepción Talavera, 51, who attended Mass celebrated in the Santa Maria de Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City. “In the end, I believe he gave us all for us,” he added. Death activated the countdown to the choice of its successor. The conclave to elect the new Pontiff must start within 15 to 20 days. More than two thirds of the 135 cardinal voters were appointed by Francisco.
Before the election, the honors continue around the world to the reformist Pope, who dedicated himself without rest to the defense of migrants, the environment and social justice, with an austere and humble style. “Thanks for making the world a better place. We’ll miss you,” wrote in his Instagram account the Argentine football star Lionel Messi on his compatriot, a fan of the most popular sport on the planet and honorary member of the San Lorenzo club.
“The Pope of the Last,” says the Italian press on Tuesday, in reference to Francis’ dedication to the most disadvantaged and the bible stretch that states that “the last will be the first in the kingdom of heaven.” “He encouraged us a lot, migrants, because he gave words of encouragement to all of us that we left our countries,” AFP Marisela Guerrero, a 45 -year -old Venezuelan who migrated to Chile a few months ago.
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Although during his pontificate, which began in March 2013, he did not question conservative church positions on topics such as abortion or priest celibacy, his next style overshadowed the conservative opposition for his supposed lack of orthodoxy. In addition to popular fervor, former Buenos Aires archbishop leaves a legacy marked by the fight against pedophilia in the church, the encouragement of the role of women and lay people, and by advocating for dialogue between religions, among others.
*With information from AFP
Posted by Victor Oliveira
Source: Jovempan
I have been working as a journalist for over 10 years. In that time, I have covered the news from all corners of the world, and written about everything from politics to business.I’m now a full-time author, and my work can be found at Global happenings. My aim is to bring you up-to-date news and views on global affairs, in a format that is easy to read and understand.
