The Catholic Church is entering a period of mourning and transition following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Cardinals have convened at the Vatican to arrange his funeral and to plan the conclave that will elect his successor. As the world mourns the passing of the first Latin American pope, preparations are underway for public viewing and other ceremonial events.
Pope Francis passed away after suffering a stroke that resulted in a coma and subsequent heart failure. This occurred after a five-week hospital stay due to double pneumonia. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a blessing from his popemobile in St. Peter’s Square.
The initial meeting of the Congregation of Cardinals took place on Tuesday morning in the Vatican’s synod hall. Discussions include the timing for public viewing of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica, potentially starting as early as Wednesday. According to norms established by Pope Francis, the funeral and burial are scheduled to occur between Friday and Sunday.
In his will, Pope Francis requested to be interred at St. Mary Major Basilica, a location outside the Vatican that houses his cherished icon of the Virgin Mary. Following each international trip, he would visit the basilica to pray before this Byzantine-style painting.
On the evening of his death, the pope’s formal apartments in the Apostolic Palace were sealed, adhering to a long-standing tradition. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, serving as camerlengo, had the responsibility of announcing and confirming the pope’s death.
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis chose not to reside in the Apostolic Palace, preferring the Domus Santa Marta hotel within Vatican City. It was there that he passed away, and his body was moved to the hotel’s chapel for a private viewing by Vatican officials and members of the pontifical household. His body was placed in a simplified wooden coffin, contrary to previous practices involving three coffins.
The funeral will be officiated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, or alternatively by the vice dean or another senior cardinal if necessary. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, aged 91, is the current dean, with Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, aged 81, serving as vice dean. Both Re and Farrell will play crucial roles in the upcoming days as they coordinate with the cardinals and prepare for the conclave.
Following the funeral, the Church observes a nine-day period of mourning known as the “novendiali.” During this time, cardinals will gather in Rome for meetings prior to the conclave. The conclave to elect the new pope is required to begin 15 to 20 days after the “sede vacante” is declared, although it may commence earlier if the cardinals reach a consensus.
As the conclave progresses, cardinals will vote in secret sessions. The ballots are burned in a special stove, with black smoke signaling an inconclusive vote, and white smoke indicating the successful election of the next leader of the Catholic Church.
