Pope Francis expressed his willingness to be buried in the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor. From that moment on, the novelty will begin, daily masses in their memory for nine days.
After the death of Pope Francis at 88the Vatican automatically activated the protocol known as “Vacant Headquarters”which begins the transition process until the choice of a new pontiff.
The rite, established in the document Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Ponteficis Updated by Francisco himself in November 2024, he contemplates a series of liturgical and symbolic steps.
All activity will be coordinated by Cardinal Camarlengo, the American Kevin Farrellwho will be in charge of the Church during the papal vacancy period to the realization of the conclave.
What are the 10 steps after the death of Pope Francis
- Death finding: doctors certify the death of the pontiff, and the prefect of the Pontifical House officially proclaims it. Unlike tradition, Francisco ordered that this finding be carried out in the chapel, and not in his room.
- Camarlengo intervention: With red clothing, Camarlengo will enter the Swiss Guard to verify the death of the Pope.
- Legacy seal: the fisherman’s ring, symbol of his power, which will be destroyed along with the papal seal will be removed. The deceased pontiff’s room will also be sealed.
- OFFICIAL ANNOUNCE: The Vicar of Rome will be notified and then the faithful. The bells of San Pedro will fold in a sign of grieving.
- Crushing: Francisco decided that his body is deposited in a single coffin, and not in the traditional three (of cypress, lead and oak).
- Historical testimony: In the coffin a metal tube will be placed with a scroll that details his work and a bag with coins coined during his pontificate: gold per year, silver per month and bronze per day.
- Funeral transfer: The coffin will be taken to the Basilica of San Pedro, accompanied by liturgical songs.
- Exhibition before the faithful: the body will be presented in its open coffin, without a papal staff and without a catafalco, as Francisco himself requested.
- Pontifical funeral: It will be set by the Cardinal College and could be held outdoors in the Plaza de San Pedro, as happened with its predecessors.
- SEPULTURE AND NOVENARY: Francisco expressed his willingness to be buried in the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor. From that moment on, the novelty will begin, daily masses in their memory for nine days. Meanwhile, the cardinals will meet to determine the start date of the conclave.
Source: Ambito
