The passing of Pope Francis is anticipated to deeply impact those of the Catholic faith and leave many with uncertainties about the future proceedings.
The Vatican made an official announcement on Monday (April 21) confirming the death of Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
His health had been under scrutiny in recent months as he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in February.
He was suffering from a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, which progressed to pneumonia in both lungs, along with mild kidney failure.
In April, he encountered an ‘isolated attack of bronchospasm, which led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden deterioration of his respiratory condition.’
As the news of his death becomes widespread, tributes are expected to pour in globally.
Following the confirmation of his death, the church will perform certain rituals before selecting a new pope.
The initial step after the Pope’s death is for the camerlengo to verify the death, a role currently filled by Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Subsequently, the pope’s body, dressed in a white cassock, is moved to his private chapel where he is clothed in red vestments and placed in a zinc-lined wooden coffin along with his symbols of office – the mitre and pallium.
Then, the camerlengo prepares a document confirming the pope’s death, gathers the pontiff’s private papers, seals his apartments, and his ‘fisherman’s ring’, used for sealing papal documents, is ceremonially defaced or destroyed.
The pope’s passing triggers a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale.
During this period, daily prayers and requiem masses will be conducted in the Vatican and throughout the Catholic community.
The pope’s official funeral is then scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Square, typically held between four and six days after his death, and it is expected to attract many mourners.
With his face shrouded by a white silk veil, the pope will be interred with a bag containing coins minted during his papacy and a canister with a ‘rogito’, or deed, summarizing his life and service.
During the interim before a new pope is elected, the Vatican enters a transitional phase known as sede vacante, which means vacant seat.