Mourning Pope Francis and a Simple Farewell
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. His death marks the beginning of an official nine-day mourning period for 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. His body will lie in state for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Unlike previous popes, Francis chose a simpler farewell. His body will not be placed on an elevated platform. He will be buried in a plain wooden coffin lined with zinc. His coffin will be carried through the “door of death” inside the basilica while a single bell tolls.
The Vatican Chamberlain will officially declare his death by calling his name three times at his bedside. The papal ring will be removed and broken. His office and private apartment will be sealed. Francis will not be buried under St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he will rest at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
What to Expect in Rome During the Mourning
Rome will be crowded, especially during the Jubilee Year. Travel into the city remains open, but visitors should book hotels early. Security will be tight, especially near Vatican City.
The Vatican Museums will stay open, but with route changes for visitors. The Sistine Chapel will close about a week before the Conclave. It will stay closed during the voting period. Access to St. Peter’s Basilica will also be limited. Its dome will be closed, and guided tours will not enter through the usual route.
Vatican Garden tours will pause for security reasons. Cardinals will be transported across Vatican grounds. Many restaurants and shops may close to honor the Pope. St. Peter’s Square will stay open but expect large crowds and media. Smoke from the Sistine Chapel can be seen twice a day—around noon and in the late afternoon.
How the New Pope Will Be Chosen
The Conclave will begin at least 15 days after Francis’s death. Only cardinals under 80 years old can vote. That includes 138 of the 252 living cardinals.
The voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals will be completely isolated, with no access to phones, internet, or the outside world. The first day begins with a special Mass. In the afternoon, cardinals will enter the chapel while chanting Latin hymns.
They will swear to keep everything secret. Each cardinal will place a hand on the Gospels to take this oath. A new pope must be elected with a two-thirds majority. If no one is chosen after two weeks, they may change the rules to allow a simple majority.
Vatican released photos of Pope Francis in his open coffin
The Vatican Secretary of State is seen praying over him at Domus Santa Marta.
In the images, the pope wears red liturgical vestments, a papal mitre on his head, and a rosary in hand, while the Vatican Secretary of State prays over him at Domus Santa Marta
The rite confirming his death and body placement took place last night.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, read the official death declaration during a ceremony lasting under an hour.
Seals were also placed on the papal apartments in both the Apostolic Palace and Santa Marta.
Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing
The public can pay respects starting Wednesday morning at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Images released show Francis dressed in red vestments, holding rosary beads, inside a wooden coffin.
People from around the world are expected to gather for this historic papal farewell.
The dean of the College of Cardinals will celebrate the funeral mass.
Additionally, Cardinals held a special meeting Monday to finalize arrangements for Pope Francis’ funeral ceremonies.
The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
A procession will follow the funeral, concluding the service within the sacred square of St. Peter’s.