The medal of Pope Francis' 2019 visit to Romania was placed beside him during the coffin-closing and sealing ceremony held on Friday evening.
The ceremony included the impressive ritual of the covering of Francis' face with a white silk cloth. A bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate was placed in the coffin, including the medal of Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Romania, Vatican News reports.
After the hymn "Benedictus" was sung and the exhortation for praying in silence was addressed, a final farewell prayer was said. The Pontifical Master of Ceremonies then placed a white silk veil over the deceased pope's face, then sprinkled the body with holy water. A bag containing coins and medals issued during Francis' pontificate and the tube with the "Rogitus" parchment were placed in the coffin.
The lid was then placed on the interior zinc coffin, along with Francis' cross, shield, and a plaque with his name, lifespan, and Petrine ministry. The zinc coffin was closed and sealed, and finally the exterior wooden coffin was also closed.
According to the latest information from the Press Room, approximately 250,000 people passed in front of the coffin to pay a final homage to the Holy Father in St. Peter's Basilica.
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