Among the relics placed inside the late Pope Francis’s casket, which was sealed in a solemn rite ahead of his Requiem Mass, was a so-called “Deed for the Pious Passing” that recalled the pontiff’s life.

According to a vicar, tradition requires the Pope’s pallium, coins, and medals minted during his pontificate, and a “Rogito” or Deed summarizing his life and papacy to be placed inside the coffin.

Ahead of the Requiem Mass, the Holy See Press Office published the full text of the Deed, written in Latin and sealed inside a metal cylinder.

The Deed that Vatican News translated into English best portrays the late head of the Roman Catholic Church:

“With us, pilgrims of hope, guide and companion on the journey toward the great goal to which we are called — Heaven — the 21st day of April in the Holy Year 2025, at 7:35 in the morning, while the light of Easter illumined the second day of the Octave, Easter Monday, the beloved Shepherd of the Church, Francis, passed from this world to the Father.

“The entire Christian Community, especially the poor, praised God for the gift of his service, which he rendered with courage and faithfulness to the Gospel and to the mystical Bride of Christ.

“Francis was the 266th Pope. His memory remains in the heart of the Church and of all humanity.

“Jorge Mario Bergoglio, elected Pope on 13 March 2013, was born in Buenos Aires on 17 December 1936 to Piedmontese immigrants. His father, Mario, was an accountant employed by the railways, while his mother, Regina Sivori, took care of the home and the education of their five children.

“After earning a diploma as a chemical technician, he chose the path of the priesthood, first entering the diocesan seminary and then, on 11 March 1958, passing to the novitiate of the Society of Jesus.

“He pursued humanistic studies in Chile and, returning in 1963 to Argentina, graduated in philosophy at the San Giuseppe college in San Miguel. He was a professor of literature and psychology at the colleges of the Immaculate Conception in Santa Fé and of the Savior in Buenos Aires.

“He received priestly ordination from Archbishop Ramón José Castellano on 13 December 1969, and on 22 April 1973, he made his perpetual profession in the Jesuits.

“After serving as novice master at Villa Barilari in San Miguel, professor in the faculty of theology, consultor of the Argentine province of the Society of Jesus, and rector of the College, he was appointed provincial of the Jesuits of Argentina on 31 July 1973.

“After 1986, he spent several years in Germany completing his doctoral dissertation, and once back in Argentina, Cardinal Antonio Quarracino made him his close collaborator.

“On 20 May 1992, Pope John Paul II named him Titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. He chose the episcopal motto Miserando atque eligendo and inserted the Christogram IHS, symbol of the Society of Jesus, into his coat of arms.

“On 3 June 1997, he was promoted Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Upon Cardinal Quarracino’s death, he succeeded him on 28 February 1998 as Archbishop, Primate of Argentina, Ordinary for the faithful of Eastern rites residing in the country, and Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University.

“John Paul II made him a cardinal in the consistory of 21 February 2001, assigning him the title of St. Roberto Bellarmino. That October, he served as Adjunct General Rapporteur at the Tenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

‘He was a much-beloved and straightforward pastor in his Archdiocese. He traveled everywhere, even by subway and bus. He lived in an apartment and prepared his dinner because he felt like one of the people.

“From the Cardinals assembled in conclave after Benedict XVI’s resignation, he was elected Pope on 13 March 2013 and took the name Francis for, following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, he wished above all to care for the poorest in the world. From the Loggia of Blessings, he appeared and spoke the following words:

“‘Brothers and sisters, good evening! And now, we take up this journey — Bishop and People. This journey of the Church of Rome, which presides in charity over all the Churches. A journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us.’

“And, bowing his head, he said:

“‘I ask you to pray to the Lord that he will bless me: the prayer of the people asking the blessing for their Bishop.’

“On 19 March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, he officially began his Petrine ministry.”

His strength: Connection with people

The Deed then described Pope Francis as always attentive to the “least and those discarded by society.”

Upon his election, he chose to live at the Domus Sanctae Marthae because he could not live without contact with people. From the first Holy Thursday, he wished to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper outside the Vatican, visiting prisons, reception centers for the disabled, and those addicted to drugs.

“His love for the poor, the elderly, and children led him to inaugurate the World Days of the Poor, Grandparents, and Children. He also established the Sunday of the Word of God,” according to the narrative.