The funeral for Pope Francis, who died on Monday, will follow a centuries-old tradition, with rituals spanning several days and a viewing of his body for mourners from around the world.

Inside the Vatican, the ritual begins when a doctor is summoned to certify the pontiff’s death, and write a report. The doctor then ensures that the body will be perfectly preserved for the viewing, and the pope’s body is dressed in a white cassock. Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, Latin for “Rite of Burial for the Roman Pontiff,” a book introduced by the Vatican last year that simplifies papal burials, allows for the confirmation of death to take place in a pontiff’s personal chapel rather than his bedroom.

The cardinal chamberlain, “camerlengo” in Italian, other Vatican officials and members of the pope’s family will congregate in the chapel for a ceremony. The body is placed in a coffin made of wood and lined with zinc. The pope will be dressed in red, with his miter and pallium, the traditional headdress worn by bishops and a strip of white wool worn like a collar, placed next to him.

The camerlengo arranges for the use of a ceremonial hammer to destroy the so-called fisherman’s ring, used by the pope to seal documents, to prevent forgeries. A new one will be forged when the next pope is elected.

Video

The gates of Castel Gandolfo, the pope’s summer home, were closed following the death of Paul VI.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all of The Times? Subscribe.