Exploring Pope Francis’ Funeral Plans: What to Expect and How to Honor His Legacy

The funeral for Pope Francis will follow a long-standing tradition, allowing people worldwide to pay their respects. It’s set to start at 10 a.m. local time on Saturday.

Once the pope passes away, the director of the Vatican’s health department is called in to confirm his death. The camerlengo, who oversees the Vatican until a new pope is elected, is responsible for some key rituals, including removing the papal ring from the pope’s finger. This ring, known as the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizes St. Peter, who is considered the first pope. It seals official documents and is destroyed after the pope’s death; a new one is created for the next pope.

After this, the pope’s body is taken to his private chapel. The camerlengo also secures the pope’s study and bedroom. Pope Francis chose to live in a simpler space at Casa Santa Marta rather than the opulent papal apartments, expressing his desire to avoid isolation.

All 252 cardinals from around the world receive invitations to attend the funeral and participate in electing a new pope. Francis’ body, dressed in papal attire and covered with a white miter, will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica a few days post-death, allowing mourners to say goodbye. International leaders are expected to attend the service, usually held between four and six days after a pope’s death, featuring a public Mass at St. Peter’s.

In a change made by Francis in 2024, only a wooden coffin lined with zinc will be used, simplifying the traditional practice of using three coffins made of wood and lead.

Reflecting on recent history, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral in late 2022 drew tens of thousands of attendees on a foggy day. This was a stark contrast to the nearly two million who came to pay their respects to Pope John Paul II in 2005, whose 26-year papacy deeply influenced many.

Public interest in the papacy remains high, and social media reactions often capture the sentiments surrounding such events. The coverage of Pope Francis’ passing and funeral will likely draw significant attention online, continuing a tradition of public mourning and celebration of a pope’s life and service.

For more information on the Catholic Church’s funeral traditions, you can visit the Vatican News.

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Funerals and Memorials,Popes,Roman Catholic Church,Benedict XVI,Francis,John Paul II,Vatican City,Rome (Italy)