Pope Francis‘ funeral will follow centuries of Catholic tradition — but it will also reflect the simplicity the late pontiff embraced last year in a nod to humility over pomp.
The big picture: Pope Francis’ memorial services are expected to bring faith leaders, mourners and international officials to the Vatican in the coming days and weeks to bid their final farewell to a historic pontiff and usher in a new era for the Church.
Driving the news: Francis died Monday at 88.
- His remains could be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for a public viewing as early as Wednesday morning, according to the Holy See Press Office.
- The Vatican has yet to release details for his upcoming funeral, but there are traditional steps in the process of laying a pope to rest.
Here is what to expect in the coming days after Pope Francis’ death:
What happens immediately after the Pope dies?
In accordance with the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis,” or the “Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs,” Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell will preside over the certification of Francis’ death and laying of his body in a coffin Monday evening, according to the Holy See Press Office.
- Farrell is the Church’s camerlengo, or cardinal chamberlain.
- He is also tasked with securing the pope’s room in Casa Santa Marta and removing the papal ring, the New York Times reported.
- The piece of jewelry, named the Fisherman’s Ring, is destroyed after a pope’s death, and a new one is forged for the Church’s next leader.
Zoom out: The next day, NBC reported, the College of Cardinals will gather to set plans for the pope’s funeral.
- The pope’s funeral and interment must take place four to six days after the his death. Weather permitting, the service traditionally takes place in St. Peter’s Square.
- The public mass will be presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals, currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re — though it is unclear if the 91-year-old Re will continue the tradition, CBS notes.
His death also kicks off a nine-day mourning period, known as Novemdiales.
What changes did Francis approve for papal funerals?
Under the second edition of the Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs, approved by Pope Francis in April 2024, the pope’s remains are immediately placed inside the coffin from which the public will view his body.
- Previously, popes’ bodies were placed on a raised platform rather than in an open casket for viewing.
- Additionally, the guidelines moved the ascertainment of the pope’s death to his chapel rather than his room.
The changes also nixed the tradition of having three caskets of cypress, lead and oak.
- Pope Francis, instead, intended to be buried in one, zinc-lined wooden coffin.
- “The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Diego Ravelli, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
- Pope Francis said he wanted to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), outside the Vatican’s walls — reflecting both his devotion to the Virgin Mary and, even in death, his willingness to carve a nontraditional path.
Go deeper: Pope Francis’ papacy ends: How long the 10 most recent popes reigned
