Pope Francis is set to be buried with a touching document and other traditional items typically included in the coffins of popes.
Continuing the long-standing tradition of the Roman Church, the first Latin American pope will have a ‘Rogito’ placed with him. This document, an account of his life, is written in Ecclesiastical Latin, the official language of the Catholic Church. It is then sealed in a metal cylinder and placed within the coffin.
According to Vatican News, the Rogito is not the only traditional item included in the Pope’s burial. Like previous popes, Pope Francis was laid to rest with his pallium—a white wool vestment worn over the shoulders during church ceremonies—along with coins and medals minted during his time as pontiff.
The Holy See Press Office has released the full text of the Rogito in Latin ahead of the Requiem Mass for Francis, which took place today (April 26).
In the document, translated into English by Vatican News, the 266th pope is described as a ‘simple and much-loved shepherd.’
The Rogito recounts the life of Francis, originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, highlighting his upbringing in Buenos Aires within a family of Italian heritage.
A member of the Jesuit order, Francis pursued studies in Chile and completed his education in Philosophy.
During his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis was known for traveling ‘by subway and bus’ and living in an apartment where he prepared his own meals, aligning himself closely with everyday people.
He was elected Pope in 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI, adopting the name Francis in admiration of Saint Francis of Assisi, demonstrating his desire to advocate for the world’s poorest.
“He exercised the Petrine ministry with untiring dedication in favor of dialogue with Muslims and representatives of other religions, sometimes inviting them to prayer meetings and signing joint declarations for concord among the faithful of different creeds,” the Rogito also stated.
The document further mentions his choice of humble accommodations as pope at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, reflecting his need to maintain close contact with people.
The Rogito details Francis’ efforts to advocate for ‘the innocent,’ guide the Catholic Church through the Covid-19 pandemic, and his frequent appeals for peace. It also mentions his hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia and his final public appearance on Easter Sunday this year, observed on April 20. He passed away the next day.
“Francis left to all a marvellous witness of humanity, of holy living, and of universal fatherhood,” the Rogito concluded.
Following the funeral, attended by numerous world leaders and mourners at St Peter’s Square, the Pope from Argentina will be interred in Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas in the city.
Francis personally requested to be buried in a simple underground tomb within the basilica, rather than in the grotto of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.