By Keane
Pope Francis’ death has set off a centuries-old orchestrated series of events to honor his life and legacy, though the funeral for the 266th bishop of Rome will likely differ drastically from those of his predecessors.
The beloved pontiff, who died Monday at 88 following a lengthy battle with double pneumonia, made changes to his funeral rites last year that underscore his humility while ditching the traditional pomp and circumstance.
Typically, papal funerals are held four to six days after the death in St. Peter’s Square, but Francis had said that, unlike his predecessors, he would not be laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he opted to be buried in Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica.
He also chose a simple wooden casket, a far cry from his predecessors who would be laid to rest in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead and oak.
The date of his funeral has not yet been announced.
The conclave to elect a new pope by secret ballot begins in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death.
Cardinals need at least two-thirds plus one to elect the new pope, meaning voting can take several days before a new pontiff is chosen.
Why is the Pope dressed in red when he is buried?
Popes are traditionally buried in red vestments because it’s a liturgical color that symbolizes a willingness to shed blood for the faith, according to National Catholic Reporter.
After a pope dies, they’re traditionally buried with several items, including a rosary, a death certificate and a bag of coins that were minted during his reign. Pontiffs are also buried with the Fisherman’s Ring, the traditional papal ring, which has historically been ceremonially smashed when cardinals meet to choose a new pope. A legal document recording the pope’s life and work called a rogito is also placed into the coffin after being read out loud.
Where will the Pope be buried?
Popes are traditionally laid to rest underneath St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican Grottoes. However Pope Francis is breaking with tradition and will instead be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), which the pontiff had a “very strong” connection to, visiting it more than 100 times during his papacy.
How does Pope Francis’ coffin choice differ from previous Popes?
Popes traditionally have been buried in three coffins, one made of cypress, another made of elm and another made of lead. However, before his death, Pope Francis requested he be laid to rest in a single zinc-lined wooden coffin.
