Pope Francis’ wooden coffin was sealed on Friday night, in a private rite that officially ends three days of his body lying in state at the Vatican.

The funeral service for Pope Francis, remembered as a champion of the poor and for his efforts to reshape the Catholic Church, is underway on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi arrives for a college of cardinals’ meeting at the Vatican, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Cardinals arrive for a college of cardinals’ meeting at the Vatican,