There’s a significant reason why Pope Francis’ body is currently on display following his passing on Monday.
The much-loved pontiff died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday (April 21). The Vatican has confirmed that his death was caused by a cerebral stroke, which resulted in a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Pope Francis had been dealing with health issues for some time, including respiratory illnesses that necessitated hospital treatment in the weeks leading up to his passing.
Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the sad news on Monday, stating: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”
A detailed series of rites and rituals will now take place, following tradition for the death of any pope, as specified in the ‘Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis,’ Latin for ‘Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs.’ This will occur before his funeral and burial, and prior to the conclave convening in the Sistine Chapel for the secretive election of his successor.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was renowned for his progressive approach, rejecting certain traditions such as his papal salary and choosing not to live in the opulent Apostolic Palace, opting instead for a simpler living arrangement.
He also made revisions to various funeral rites, expressing a wish to be buried outside the Vatican.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli explained this preference was because the late Pope wanted to ’emphasize’ his role as a ‘pastor and disciple of Christ and not as a powerful man of this world,’ according to ABC News.
The main proceedings have begun, starting with the formal confirmation of his death at his personal chapel in Santa Marta.
Following this, his body was dressed in red liturgical vestments and placed in a wooden coffin, a departure from the traditional cypress, lead, or oak coffins used for his predecessors.
His miter, the traditional headdress worn by bishops, his woolen stole, and the Paschal candle were also placed beside his coffin.
The master of liturgical celebrations, Ravelli, has arranged for faithful followers to pay their respects at St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body will be displayed in an open casket for public viewing from Wednesday morning until the evening before his funeral.
Subsequently, camerlengo Farrell will place a white cloth over his face and add significant items, such as a bag of coins minted during his papacy and a one-page written account of his papacy, into the coffin before it is officially closed and sealed.
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday (April 26), marking the beginning of nine days of official mourning known as the ‘novemdiales.’
Following the funeral, the conclave will convene to decide on the next pope, a process so secretive that participants are isolated from external communication, including phones, newspapers, or letters.
The select cardinals will vote daily, burning their ballots, with the resulting smoke signaling to the world whether a decision has been reached; white smoke indicating a new pope has been elected and black smoke indicating otherwise.