In a solemn rite held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday evening, the coffin of His Holiness Pope Francis was officially sealed, marking a significant moment ahead of his Requiem Mass. Around 250,000 faithful pilgrims had come to pay their respects to the Argentine-born Pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for more than twelve years.

In keeping with ancient tradition, Pope’s pallium, commemorative coins and medals from his pontificate, and a "Rogito"—a Deed summarizing his life and ministry—were placed inside the coffin. The Holy See Press Office later published the full Latin text of the Deed, which was sealed inside a metal cylinder alongside the late Pope.

The Deed, translated into English, recounts the major milestones of Pope Francis' life. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a family of Piedmontese immigrants, Francis' early career saw him earn a diploma as a chemical technician before he answered the call to the priesthood. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1958, was ordained a priest in 1969, and took his perpetual vows as a Jesuit in 1973.

Francis served in various leadership roles within the Jesuits before being named Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 by Pope John Paul II. In 1998, he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2001. Known for his humble lifestyle, he often used public transport and lived in a simple apartment, cooking his own meals.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, taking the name Francis in homage to Saint Francis of Assisi. His first words from the Loggia of Blessings captured his pastoral spirit: “Brothers and sisters, good evening! And now, we take up this journey—Bishop and People. This journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches.”

Pope Francis’ pontificate was marked by his tireless dedication to the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable. He chose to live at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, forgoing the traditional Apostolic Palace residence, to remain close to the people. His visits to prisons, shelters, and centers for the disabled symbolized his ministry of mercy and outreach.

 He inaugurated the World Days of the Poor, Grandparents, and Children and emphasized the importance of the Sunday of the Word of God.

Francis expanded the College of Cardinals to be more representative of the global Church, creating 163 cardinals from 73 countries. He convened five major Synods, focusing on the family, youth, synodality, and the Amazon region, emphasizing a Church that listens and walks with its people.

During critical moments such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Pope Francis offered powerful gestures of hope, notably praying alone in a rain-soaked, empty St. Peter’s Square in March 2020. In his later years, he became a vocal advocate for peace amid conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other troubled regions.

Despite health challenges—including surgery in 2021 and a serious hospitalization for pneumonia in 2025—Pope Francis continued to shepherd the Church until his final Easter, imparting the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia one last time.

His theological legacy includes a rich body of writings: the apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium", and encyclicals such as "Laudato si’" on environmental stewardship, "Fratelli tutti" on fraternity and social friendship, and "Dilexit nos"  on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His reforms of the Roman Curia and commitment to accountability in cases of clerical abuse left a lasting imprint on the Church's structure and governance.

The Deed concludes with a poignant tribute:
"Francis left to all a marvelous witness of humanity, of holy living, and of universal fatherhood."
It records that he lived 88 years, 4 months, and 4 days, and presided over the Universal Church for 12 years, 1 month, and 8 days.

As the coffin was sealed, the Church and the world bid farewell to a Pope who had dedicated his life to service, humility, and the proclamation of God’s mercy.
"May you always live in Christ, Holy Father!"