This Is the Detail on Pope Francis's Coffin That No One Has Seen at His Funeral

The morning calm of Rome contrasts today with the contained emotion that floods Vatican City. From the early hours of the morning, faithful and authorities have gathered around St. Peter's Basilica. A feeling of universal mourning sweeps through the Square, while the final details for the solemn farewell are being finalized.

According to the Vatican, 130 international delegations have confirmed their attendance at the funeral. Among them, about 50 heads of state and ten reigning monarchs stand out. The scale of the event highlights the universal impact left by Pope Francis.

The Detail That Hasn't Gone Unnoticed at Pope Francis's Funeral

St. Peter's Basilica is hosting today the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. A ceremony that takes place after four days of homage in which more than 150,000 faithful came to bid farewell to the Holy Father.

During Pope Francis's funeral, an image carved on the lid of his coffin discreetly caught the attention of some observant attendees. It is the Jesuit coat of arms that has accompanied the Argentine pontiff since the beginning of his papacy. Although most eyes were on the solemnity of the act and the general symbolism of the ceremony, few noticed this engraving, small but loaded with meaning.

The design corresponds to Pope Francis's official coat of arms, deeply linked to the Society of Jesus, the religious order to which he belongs. In the center, the Christogram "IHS" (the first three letters of Jesus's name in Greek) is visible. This is accompanied by a cross over the central letter and three nails below, all surrounded by a sun. This symbol is the traditional emblem of the Jesuits, evoking the centrality of Christ and the evangelizing mission.

Beneath the Christogram, the coat of arms includes an eight-pointed star representing the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and a spikenard flower, alluding to Saint Joseph. Both are key figures in Pope Francis's spirituality. Below the coat of arms, the ribbon with the motto "Miserando atque eligendo" (He looked at him with mercy and chose him) undoubtedly summarizes his vocation marked by service to the most humble.

When today's Requiem Mass ends, Pope Francis's body will be transferred. According to his will, he will rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He chose a simple tomb, away from the traditional honors reserved for pontiffs.

This final gesture sums up Francis's legacy: closeness, humility, and service. The Catholic Church and the entire world bid farewell today to a man who knew how to build bridges. A Pope who leaves behind an indelible testimony of humanity and faith.

This Was the Ceremony of the Sealing of Pope Francis's Coffin

Yesterday, Friday, St. Peter's Square experienced moments of great emotion. After four intense days, in which more than 150,000 people came to say goodbye, the lying in state was closed. The closure occurred around 5:00 p.m., following a notice issued by the Italian Civil Protection Department.

The final act of the day was the sealing of Pope Francis's coffin, which took place in the strictest privacy. Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell was responsible for carrying out this solemn protocol. The ceremony began around 8:00 p.m., marking a moment of deep symbolism.

The rite included the reading of the rogito, a classical Latin account of Pope Francis's life. Then, his face was covered with a white silk veil while a hymn of praise was sung. Subsequently, the body was blessed with holy water, and the rogito was placed inside the coffin.

The coffin, made of wood and lined with zinc, has the cross and papal coat of arms engraved on its lid. Inside, a bag with twelve commemorative coins was also placed. These coins, made of gold, silver, and bronze, symbolize the exact duration of Pope Francis's pontificate.

The Cardinal Camerlengo was not alone in this closing ceremony. He was accompanied by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista, and six other cardinals. Among them were notable figures such as Roger Michael Mahony, Dominique Mamberti, and Mauro Gambetti.

Also participating were the Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, and the Vicar General of Rome, Baldassare Reina. The Pope's Almoner, Konrad Krajewski, one of his closest collaborators, was present. Every gesture of the ceremony followed a meticulously established protocol.

The coffin was secured with a purple silk cord sealed with melted wax. On the seal, the Cardinal Camerlengo imprinted Pope Francis's coat of arms. As a spiritual closure, Psalms 41 and 26 were sung, reflecting the hope in eternal life.