Pope Francis redefines papal funeral traditions in final act
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. Jorge Mario Bergoglio began personally planning his funeral back in 2023, when he also revealed that he wanted to simplify the papal funeral ceremonies. The head of the Church did not intend to be laid to rest in the Vatican, but in Rome.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. Jorge Mario Bergoglio had led the Catholic Church since March 13, 2013.
Although the pope's death is a shock to many, Francis himself disclosed at the end of 2023, in an interview with Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki, that he had long been preparing for this moment.
Pope Francis stated at the time that "when old age and limitations arrive, one must prepare" and "for this reason, he met with the master of ceremonies to simplify the papal funerals, which will be much simpler." "I will launch the new ritual," he added.
He declared that he intended to be buried outside the Vatican, stating that he had prepared his tomb at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a place he holds in deep esteem because of his devotion to the icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani housed there.
Changes in the funeral ceremony
The decision regarding the new burial site was not the only change advocated by the late pope. Francis also decided to simplify the ceremony by eliminating some traditional elements.
According to the new rules, the body of the deceased pope will immediately be placed in a coffin in which it will be displayed for public viewing. This is a departure from the previous practice of displaying the body on a catafalque. Furthermore, the tradition of three coffins has been abandoned – Francis's body will rest in two: one zinc and one wooden.
The last modernization of the rules regarding the burial of a pope took place in 1998, during the pontificate of John Paul II.
