Pope Francis Death Rites Reform: When Will His Funeral Rites Begin and What Will They Look Like?

The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully organized steps known as Pope Francis death rites. These include certifying the death, displaying the body for public respect, and finally the funeral and burial. Pope Francis, who died on Monday, had introduced changes to these ancient rituals, simplifying the process to reflect his humble approach to leadership.

Why Did Pope Francis Change the Papal Funeral Rites?

The Pope Francis death rites hadn’t been updated since 2000. Pope Francis decided to make changes after the death of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI in 2022. Benedict was the first pope to retire in 600 years, and his funeral presented unique challenges. Pope Francis worked with Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Vatican’s master of liturgical ceremonies, to revise the papal funeral rites. The goal was to simplify the rituals and shift the focus from grand displays of power to highlight the pope’s role as a humble pastor and disciple of Christ.

The declaration of death

The first part of the Pope Francis death rites takes place in the pope’s residence. Instead of the traditional papal bedroom, the declaration now occurs in the personal chapel at the Santa Marta hotel, where Pope Francis lived.

A Vatican doctor confirms the death and writes a report. The pope is then dressed in white. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, leads the death announcement ceremony. Francis’ reforms now call for a simpler coffin: a wooden exterior with a zinc inner coffin, instead of three separate coffins.

In St. Peter’s Basilica

After the body is moved to the basilica, the Litany of Saints is sung as part of the Pope Francis death rites. The coffin is no longer placed on an elevated platform but on a simple stand facing the people. The Paschal candle stands nearby as a symbol of resurrection.

The sealing of the coffin

The night before the funeral, the camerlengo oversees the sealing of the coffin. A white cloth is placed over the pope’s face. Coins minted during his papacy and a short summary of his time as pope—called a “rogito”—are placed inside.

The coffin features a cross and Pope Francis’ personal coat of arms. His emblem, chosen from his time as bishop, includes a symbol of his Jesuit order and the Latin phrase “Miserando atque eligendo,” meaning “Having had mercy, he called him.”

Funeral and final resting place

Usually, the funeral is led by the dean or vice dean of the College of Cardinals. Francis allowed the burial to occur outside the Vatican. He requested to be laid to rest in the St. Mary Major Basilica, where he often visited to pray before the image of the Virgin Mary known as Salus Populi Romani.

With his burial, nine days of mourning, known as “novemdiales,” begin, leading up to the conclave that will elect the next pope.

Pope Francis death rites now reflect Pope Francis’ wish to be remembered not as a global figure of power, but as a pastor and follower of Christ. His final reforms ensure his legacy of humility lives on in every step of the Vatican’s farewell.