In brief
This article outlines the traditional proceedings following the passing of Pope Francis in April 2025, detailing the steps leading to the selection of his successor.
The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, initiates an array of time-honored rituals deeply embedded in the Catholic Church's traditions. His funeral will span several days, allowing worshippers worldwide to pay their respects to the beloved pontiff.Immediately posthumously, a doctor is called to confirm the pope's death, subsequently documenting the event. The preparation for public viewing begins with the preservation of the body, which is then adorned in a white cassock. A recently introduced Vatican guide, "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis," allows for the announcement of death to occur in the pontiff's personal chapel, adding a modern touch to ancient practices.Key figures such as the cardinal chamberlain, referred to as the "camerlengo," along with other Vatican officials and family members, gather in the chapel for a poignant ceremony. Here, the late pope's body is placed in a coffin crafted from wood and lined with zinc, alongside ceremonial items like a red vestment, miter, and pallium.One crucial ritual involves the camerlengo using a ceremonial hammer to destroy the traditional fisherman’s ring—symbolizing the pope's authority and integrity—to prevent forgeries. A new ring will be issued once the election of the new pope concludes.As devotees continue to mourn Pope Francis, the subsequent selection process for his successor looms ahead, demonstrating the balance of grief and continuity within the church's hierarchy.
