Vatican prepares for Pope Francis' funeral at Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major

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Vatican prepares for Pope Francis' funeral at Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major  Last November, Pope Francis reformed the rites to be used for his funeral, simplifying them to emphasise his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican.  READ MORE : http://www.euronews.com/2025/04/23/preparations-begin-for-funeral-of-pope-francis-at-st-mary-major-basilica  Subscribe to our channel. Euronews is available on Dailymotion in 12 languages

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00:00Preparations for the funeral of Pope Francis have begun at the St. Mary Major Basilica

00:06in Rome where the late pontiff asked to be buried.

00:11Last year Pope Francis reformed the rites to be used for his funeral, allowing for such

00:16a burial outside the Vatican.

00:21The Basilica had special significance to Francis as the home of his favourite icon of the Virgin

00:26Mary, something many worshippers believe speaks to his humility and faith.

00:32I think it speaks about how much he wants to trust himself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

00:40and it's a very, very strong and beautiful message to all of us.

00:46On Tuesday cardinals gathered at the Vatican to finalise preparations for the funeral and

00:51the upcoming conclave to choose his successor.

00:56They agreed that the public will be allowed to pay their respects beginning on Wednesday

01:01once the Pope's casket is placed in St. Peter's Basilica.

01:06The late Pope's body will lie in repose with a closed wooden coffin rather than displayed

01:11atop a bier as was customary in previous papal funerals.

01:15The funeral and burial have been scheduled for Saturday.

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