On the evening of April 25th, Pope Francis’s coffin was closed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, marking the beginning of the farewell ceremony for the Supreme Pontiff. His funeral will be held in the Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore.
“Many people have shown their love for Pope Francis over these three days. He practically said goodbye to the people. Starting Wednesday, he thanked them, met with the staff at the hospital where he was laid to rest, went to see inmates, attended some liturgies on holy days, and on Sunday, he said goodbye by driving around in his car. People said goodbye to him, and he seemed happy.”
Speaking about the current situation in the Italian capital, the journalist indicated that the city is “overcrowded,” with more than 250,000 people registered at St. Peter’s Basilica, and where it is impossible to find a hotel room. “It’s crazy.”
Solano Cechiaro spoke about his experience saying goodbye to the priest, which lasted more than three hours.
“He will be laid to rest at Mass, which is for Catholics around the world. Afterward, he will be taken on a tour of Rome. People will be able to come out to say their final goodbyes. There is peace, even though there are a lot of people. The Pope is in a red coffin. His face is simple, without makeup; he looks like a saint. It’s all been an odyssey; people have come from all over the world in a line that has lasted three or four hours.”
Because the Argentine will not be buried in the Vatican, the journalist explained how this news has been received in Rome, where Pope Francis’ humility in choosing a place he usually visited in April is mentioned.
“The church of Santa Maria Maggiore was one of Pope Francis’ favorites. Seven popes are buried there. It was one of his most visited churches in April. He will be buried there, and it will be the first in a long time not in the Vatican, but in Rome.”
This week, “Rome has become the capital of the world,” as the arrival of several presidents has also sparked talk of possible meetings after the funeral, including a rapprochement between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky to finalize the peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
“Rome has become the capital of the political world. All the presidents are there, from Trump to Macron. Representatives from around the world are coming to express their solidarity with the Pope. He was a leader who moved all leaders. They will also try to arrange meetings and agreements, and at a time when the world is experiencing conflict, there is talk of several bilateral meetings after the funeral. Rome is armored.”
