The Pontiff's passing ushers in deeply rooted ceremonies spanning days, with gatherings of mourners from across the globe.
Pope Francis: The Final Farewell Rituals Awaiting His Passing
Pope Francis: The Final Farewell Rituals Awaiting His Passing
As the world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the intricate traditions surrounding his funeral will soon unfold.
In light of the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, preparations are underway for a funeral steeped in centuries-old Vatican traditions. The specific timing has yet to be disclosed, but the process will honor the esteemed pontiff through several formal rituals designed to allow worldwide admirers to pay their respects.
The Vatican’s health department must first certify the pope's passing, followed by the camerlengo, the official who oversees the Vatican between papacies, ceremonially removing the pope's unique fisherman’s ring—symbolizing St. Peter and traditionally used to seal important documents. This ring is destroyed posthumously, with a new one created for his successor following the election.
Pope Francis' body will be placed in his private chapel before being laid to rest in a wooden coffin lined with zinc, a simplification he enacted to modernize papal funerals. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for several days, allowing the faithful and dignitaries to pay their final tributes.
As part of the established protocol, invitations will be extended to cardinals worldwide, leading to a solemn mass presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, set for between four to six days following the pontiff's death. Previous funerals, such as Pope Benedict XVI’s in 2022, drew significant crowds, and anticipation grows regarding the number of attendees for Francis's farewell. His tenure as pope has marked significant changes within the church, and many expect a large turnout to honor his legacy.
The upcoming ceremonies reflect the deep respect afforded to the papacy and the connection Francis fostered with followers around the world during his time in leadership.
Gaia Pianigiani is a reporter based in Italy, covering breaking news across Italy and Europe.
The Vatican’s health department must first certify the pope's passing, followed by the camerlengo, the official who oversees the Vatican between papacies, ceremonially removing the pope's unique fisherman’s ring—symbolizing St. Peter and traditionally used to seal important documents. This ring is destroyed posthumously, with a new one created for his successor following the election.
Pope Francis' body will be placed in his private chapel before being laid to rest in a wooden coffin lined with zinc, a simplification he enacted to modernize papal funerals. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for several days, allowing the faithful and dignitaries to pay their final tributes.
As part of the established protocol, invitations will be extended to cardinals worldwide, leading to a solemn mass presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, set for between four to six days following the pontiff's death. Previous funerals, such as Pope Benedict XVI’s in 2022, drew significant crowds, and anticipation grows regarding the number of attendees for Francis's farewell. His tenure as pope has marked significant changes within the church, and many expect a large turnout to honor his legacy.
The upcoming ceremonies reflect the deep respect afforded to the papacy and the connection Francis fostered with followers around the world during his time in leadership.
Gaia Pianigiani is a reporter based in Italy, covering breaking news across Italy and Europe.
