■ Pope’s Funeral Mass Tomorrow
250,000 Mourners Expected at the Square
Complex Procedures Simplified
Grave Open to the Public from the 27th,
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| Preparations for the funeral mass of Pope Francis, scheduled for the 26th (local time) at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican, are underway, with chairs arranged for attendees as of the 24th. AFP Yonhap News |
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, ‘Pope Francis’ funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. (local time, 5 p.m. KST) on the 26th at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside, with cardinals, bishops, and priests from around the world co-officiating.’,
, ‘Before the commencement of the funeral mass, the simple wooden casket of the Pope, marked with an “M,” symbolizing the cross and Virgin Mary, will be transported to the outdoor altar in the square. A Bible will be placed on the casket, and inside, a pallium (a woolen band symbolizing the duties and authority of a high-ranking cleric), coins and medals minted during Pope Francis’ tenure, and a scroll detailing his achievements will be sealed.’,
, ‘The funeral mass will begin with the Introit “Grant them eternal rest, O Lord.” It will be followed by prayers, scripture readings, a homily where Cardinal Re will reflect on Pope Francis’ legacy and extend the final blessing. Towards the end of the mass, Cardinal Re will sprinkle holy water and incense on the coffin. The choir and congregation will then sing in Latin, “Merciful Father God, make Pope Francis, who became the shepherd of the Church as the successor of Peter, a courageous preacher of your word and a faithful servant of God’s mysteries.” The mass will conclude with everyone rising to the hymn “May the angels guide you to paradise.”’,
, ‘In the past, a triple-layered burial procedure was followed, but due to Pope Francis, who led a notably simple life during his time, the ceremony has been simplified. Instead, the Pope’s body will be placed in just a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc.’,
, ‘After the funeral mass, the procession carrying Pope Francis will traverse through the heart of Rome towards the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Pope chose this basilica, situated near Termini Station in Rome, as his final resting place. It is one of the four major basilicas in Rome and the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the city.’,
, ‘The Vatican announced that from the 27th, Pope Francis’ tomb at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore will be open to the public. Additionally, remembrance prayers will be held daily at St. Peter’s Square until the 4th of the next month. The Catholic Church observes a nine-day mourning period known as “Novendiales” upon the Pope’s passing.’,
, ‘The funeral mass is expected to gather world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prince William of the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.’,
, ‘The South Korean government will send a joint delegation led by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon. Oh Hyun-joo, South Korea’s ambassador to the Holy See, and Ahn Jae-hong, president of the Catholic Laity Apostolic Organization Council of Korea, will accompany the delegation. Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung, Bishop Lee Yong-hoon, chairman of the Korean Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and Fr. Im Min-gyun, head of public relations, will attend as part of the Korean Catholic delegation. The mass is expected to draw up to 250,000 people.’