LAID IN TOMB

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23273, 16 February 1939, Page 13

LAID IN TOMB

LATE POPE PIUS XI. SCENE IN ST. PETER'S SOMBRENESS OF RITUAL THREE COFFINS USED By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright HOME, Feb. 14 With sombre ritual, the remains of the late Pope Pius XI. were entombed in the Crypt of St. Peter's to-day between the coffin of Pope Pius X. and those of three Stuart Princes, one of whom was Bonnie

Prince Charlie. The great bell at St. Peter's tolled while canotis, bearing flaming torches, the choir intoning the "Miserere," and violet-robed cardinals and bishops marched in procession along tho nave lined with Papal Guards. Tho remains were borne on a litter to the altar beneath the seat of St. Peter.

There, in the chapel lighted. by 100 candles and two immense braziers, absolution was pronounced. Cardinals, bishops and the late Pope's relatives kissed his feet. The remains were laid by Noble Guards in a coffin of Cypress wood. A majordomo covered them wtih a red silk veil and a prelate read in Latin a summary of the Pope's life from parchment placed in the coffin, which was then closed and sealed, and placed in a second lead coffin. This was sealed and placed in a third coffin of polished elm and borne to a position in the vaults, where the choir again sang the "Miserere."

Then all departed while the hymn of rejoicing and praise: "In Paradisum," was sung. Only one prelate was left to pray, after which silence fell on the vast basilica, which will remain unbroken until the entry of tho new Pope.

The doors of St. Peter's were closed at noon so that the basilica might be cleared in readiness for the funeral.

Signor Mussolini has ordered that Friday be a day of national mourning for the Pope's death, says the Independent Cable Service. The congregation of Cardinals met to-day to continue the organisation of the conclave, to which a sum of £22,000 was allotted.

Further references to the late Pope appear on page 17.