Pope Francis enters St. Peter’s for the last time (photos)

On the feast of his baptismal namesake, St. George, the remains of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, arrived to the Basilica of St. Peter's, accompanied by the prayers of the faithful and the solemn, somehow beautiful sights and sounds of a procession of cardinals in their red robes, Swiss Guards at perfect attention, confessors of the basilica in black cassocks and red stoles, crimson-robed bishops, and dark-suited officials.

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The "translation" -- the rite of transfer of Pope Francis's remains to St. Peter's Basilica -- began this Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 9 a.m., from the chapel of Santa Marta, where the Pope had celebrated Mass many times.

Some 30 minutes later, at 9:32 a.m., the Holy Father passed through the central door of St. Peter's for the last time. He was the head of the Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, to April 21, 2025.

For the next three days, the Basilica will be open until midnight so that thousands of the faithful may pass through to pray before the remains of the Pontiff. His funeral is Saturday morning.

The procession, accompanied by chanted prayers, the Litany of the Saints, and the mournful tolling of the Basilica bells, was also marked by the applause of the faithful filling St. Peter's, particularly as the body disappeared behind the curtains of the central entrance, and under the large crucifix hanging from them.

The coffin was incensed and the Gospel read, as well as prayers of the faithful.

The liturgy concluded just after 10 a.m., with the final prayer voiced by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell -- requiescat in pace -- and the chanting of the Salve Regina.

The body of Pope Francis will rest at the Altar of Confession, over the remains of the first pope, St. Peter, during these three days, the Easter candle burning brightly beside his coffin.

After his funeral on Saturday, he will be buried under his favorite icon of Our Lady at St. Mary Major.