Papal Death Rituals and Funeral Explained After Francis’ Passing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Following the death of Pope Francis, a series of time-honored Catholic rituals are underway, revised in recent years by Francis himself. From the official declaration of death to the public viewing, funeral, and burial, these ceremonies reflect deep spiritual tradition and his personal wishes. His burial at St. Mary Major Basilica marks a significant departure from papal norms.
Papal Death Rituals After Pope Francis’ Passing – Quick Looks
- Death Confirmed: Pope’s death certified by Vatican health chief.
- Revised Funeral Rites: Francis simplified traditions before his passing.
- Body Displayed: Public mourning to take place at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Coffin Details: No longer triple coffins; uses wood and zinc.
- Burial Site: Francis chose St. Mary Major over traditional Vatican tombs.
- Paschal Candle: Symbol of Easter placed by coffin during rites.
- Historic Changes: First major rite revision since 2000.
- Funeral Leaders: Led by senior cardinal, not the pope’s successor.
- Mourning Period: “Novemdiales” begins—nine days of mourning and prayer.
- Conclave Countdown: After burial, preparations start to elect new pope.
Deep Look: Vatican Rites After Pope Francis’ Death – Funeral, Burial & Tradition
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The passing of Pope Francis at age 88 has initiated a sacred and centuries-old process within the Roman Catholic Church. These elaborate papal death rituals, updated by Francis himself in recent years, blend solemn tradition with his personal vision of humility and simplicity.
A New Era of Simplicity in Papal Rites
Pope Francis, known for eschewing grandeur, revised the funeral rites in 2024—marking the first major change since 2000. The result is a more pastoral and less ceremonial process, as codified in the updated liturgical guide Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs).
Unlike past funerals dominated by regal pageantry, the rituals following Francis’ death stress his identity as a servant of God rather than a monarch. His reforms focused on streamlining ceremonies and allowing for burial outside the Vatican, reflecting his consistent emphasis on modesty and accessibility.
The Declaration of Death
The death of the pope begins a three-stage process occurring in his residence, at St. Peter’s Basilica, and at his final burial site. Francis’ personal choice to live in the modest Domus Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace required practical adjustments.
His death was formally confirmed not in a bedroom but in the chapel of Santa Marta. There, the head of the Vatican health service performed the examination, officially documenting the cause of death. The body, dressed in white, was then prepared for internal rituals.
The camerlengo, American Cardinal Kevin Farrell—who now oversees Vatican operations until the next pope is elected—conducted the official rite declaring the pope’s death. Traditionally, popes are encased in three coffins (cypress, lead, and oak), but under Francis’ changes, a wooden coffin with a zinc interior now suffices.
The body is clothed in red vestments, a bishop’s miter, and the pallium—a woolen stole symbolizing pastoral authority. A Paschal candle, representing the risen Christ, is placed nearby.
Public Mourning in St. Peter’s Basilica
After internal rites, the pope’s coffin is moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. The ancient Litany of Saints is sung as the body enters the basilica, and unlike in the past, it is no longer displayed on a high bier. Instead, the wooden coffin rests facing the pews, allowing the faithful to bid farewell on more personal terms.
Sealing the Pope’s Coffin
The evening before the funeral, the coffin is sealed in a deeply symbolic ritual. A white cloth is laid over the pope’s face, and inside the coffin are placed unique tokens: coins minted during his papacy and a “rogito” — a one-page summary of his pontificate.
This written document, rolled into a cylinder, is placed in the coffin and archived for posterity. The coffin is sealed with the papal coat of arms — Francis’ own bearing Jesuit imagery and the Latin motto Miserando atque eligendo (“Having had mercy, he called him”), inspired by the Gospel’s account of Jesus calling a sinner to follow him.
Funeral Leadership and Burial Plans
The papal funeral is not conducted by his successor but by the dean of the College of Cardinals. Currently, this role is held by 91-year-old Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. If Re is unable, Vice Dean Leonardo Sandri of Argentina will preside. Both men were recently reappointed by Francis to ensure continuity.
Francis’ most personal decision, however, was his burial site. Departing from centuries of papal tradition, he requested to be laid to rest at St. Mary Major Basilica, not beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This reflects his profound devotion to the icon of the Virgin Mary — Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People) — housed in that church.
This Byzantine-style image, featuring Mary in a blue robe holding the infant Jesus, was a spiritual touchstone for Francis. He visited the basilica after every foreign trip to pray before the icon. “It’s my great devotion,” he told Mexico’s N+ in an interview, revealing his burial wishes. “The place is already prepared.”
Nine Days of Mourning and the Next Chapter
Following the burial, the Vatican observes nine days of mourning, known as novemdiales. Each day includes special Masses and prayers, reflecting on the life and legacy of the pope. Once mourning concludes, preparations begin for the papal conclave — the secretive election of the next pontiff.
Pope Francis’ death not only ends a transformative papacy but also opens a new chapter for the Catholic Church. His revised rites offer a blueprint for future papal funerals that emphasize spiritual leadership over worldly stature — a testament to his enduring influence, even in death.
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