Pope Francis' last will. Papal burial to follow new rites
Pope Francis has changed a long-standing tradition by simplifying the papal funeral rite. In accordance with his last will, the Pontiff expressed his desire to be buried in a simple wooden coffin, not in the Vatican, but in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major - next to a beloved icon of the Madonna.
This is reported by Reuters.
So, mourning rites last nine days, and the date of the funeral and burial are determined by the cardinals.
Pope Francis has avoided much of the pomp and privilege associated with leading the global Catholic Church. In 2024, he changed and simplified the papal funeral rite.
The funeral mass will still be held in St. Peter's Square, it is said, but unlike many of his predecessors, Francis has asked to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, so that he can be near his beloved icon of the Madonna.
Francis also asked to be buried in a simple wooden coffin, unlike his predecessors, who were buried in three interconnected coffins of cypress, lead and oak.
According to Vatican News, in April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funerals, which will guide the funeral mass.
The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the remains of the Pope should be treated after death. The death is declared in the chapel, not in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed in a coffin.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis asked that funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the Church's faith in the risen Body of Christ.
"The updated rite seeks to further emphasize that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, and not of an influential person of this world," Archbishop Ravelli said.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, Pope Francis I died in the Vatican on Monday, April 21. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced this.
In Pope Francis' Easter message, which was his last public speech, the pontiff called for peace in Ukraine.