Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He died of a stroke followed by heart failure at his residence in the Casa Santa Marts of Vatican. The death of Pope was also affected by other ailments, including a “previous episode of acute respiratory failure,” arterial hypertension and type II diabetes, stated Vatican’s press office. A requiem mass had started at the Manila Cathedral where Pope had visited in 2015. The passing of the Pope Francis has triggered the onset of the transitional period sede vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.” For the appointment of next Pope, the Vatican has several laws and rituals which govern the transfer of power from one pope to next. Some of these rituals date back to the middle Ages.
When And How The Last Rites Will Take Place?
Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. This makes him the first Pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Pope Francis had expressed his wish in the final will. “I have always entrusted my life and priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest, awaiting the day of resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major,” read his will dated 29 June 2022.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said that Pope Francis’ body could be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica as soon as Wednesday, April 23, 2025, pending the approval of a group of cardinals. A meeting of cardinals will be held, where decision regarding arrangements for his funeral will be discussed.
His funeral procession will take place within six days in parts and several rituals will be followed. During the nine-day mourning period, his body will be laid out in St. Peter’s Basilica. People will be provided space to pay their final respects to the pontiff.
His funeral rites will take place in three parts, called stations. The first takes place in the pope’s private chapel, after medical professionals confirm his death. After the body lies in rest in the chapel, the cardinal serving as the pope’s camerlengo (chief of staff of the pope) will make the arrangements for the funeral. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell currently serves as the Camerlengo. Apartment of Pope Francis will also be locked to prevent any loot. His Fisherman’s Ring will also be smashed to prevent any other person from using it.
In the second part his body will be kept for public viewing for next three days. The deceased pope will be dressed in his simple white cassock and red vestments. He will be then placed in a simple wooden coffin. His coffin will be carried in procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the public viewing will take place. Pope Francis body will be kept in the plain, open casket during public viewing. This is done to highlight his role as a pastor and not a head of state. His face will be covered with a plain white cloth. Only a single coffin will be used for his last rites unlike the traditional three coffins of cypress, lead and elm.
The third part of the stations is burial, where his coffin will be placed in its final location inside the church after final prayers and sprinkling of holy water.
What Next After Funeral?
Once the funeral rituals are complete, the conclave will move further with election of new Pope. A conclave with Cardinals under the age of 80, will gather to vote for the next pope. The elections will be held at the Sistine Chapel, and the cardinal will cast their vote until a new pope is elected.
Notably US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump will attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome.
Also Read: India To Observe Three-Day State Mourning On Passing Of Pope Francis
