The coffin of Pope Francis has been solemnly sealed in a private ceremony held in St Peter’s Basilica, marking the final stage before his funeral Mass. Over the past three days, nearly 250,000 mourners paid their respects as the late Pope lay in state before the Confessio Altar, clothed in a red chasuble, a white mitre, and holding a rosary in his hands—resting, by his own wish, at ground level without a catafalque.

The rite was led by Cardinal-Camerlengo Kevin Farrell and began with the reading of a document summarizing the life and legacy of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. The text highlighted his pastoral simplicity, his work in Argentina, and his choice to live humbly, even preparing his own meals.

In a moving moment, Archbishop Diego Ravelli gently covered Pope Francis’ face with a white silk cloth, as Cardinal Farrell sprinkled the body with holy water. A bag containing coins and medals from his pontificate was placed inside the coffin, signifying his years of service to the Church and the world.

Pope's wooden coffin, inscribed with his name and bearing a cross and his coat of arms, was then sealed inside a zinc inner coffin. Alongside it were placed his papal cross, a commemorative plaque, and official seals from Vatican offices, concluding the solemn ritual with the chanting of psalms.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is set to follow, as the Church and faithful around the globe prepare to bid farewell to a shepherd remembered for his humility, compassion, and tireless advocacy for the marginalized.