Italy Francis approves new rules for more modest papal funeral
Pope Francis has approved a fundamental change to the mourning ceremonies for popes. This means that several innovations will come into force in the event of the death of a pope: simplified rites will emphasize the role of the pontiff as a simple bishop, for example.
20.11.2024, 17:51
20.11.2024, 17:55
SDA
In addition, the updated liturgical book allows for burial outside the Vatican. Francis has already stated several times that he does not wish to be buried in the Vatican.
Vatican media published details of the revised liturgical book with the Latin title "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis". According to this, Francis already approved it in April. "The renewed rite emphasizes that the Pope's funeral is that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not that of a powerful man of this world," the master of ceremonies Diego Ravelli told the "Vatican News" portal.
Pope does not want to be buried in the Vatican
Francis will be 88 years old in December. In the past, the Argentinian has already revealed that he wants to revise and simplify the papal funeral ritual with the master of ceremonies. Last year, he said that he wanted to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome - and not in the Vatican grottoes under St. Peter's Basilica, as is usually the case. At the time, he declared that he wanted to be treated "like any Christian".
The changes to the liturgical book provide for a significant streamlining of certain ceremonies and steps in the protocol. In future, the body of a pope will be displayed in a simple wooden coffin in St. Peter's Basilica and not, as previously stipulated, laid out on a catafalque in St. Peter's Basilica. In addition, the two additional coffins in which popes are normally laid to rest will be omitted.
After death has been confirmed in the private chapel, the pope is placed in a wooden coffin with an inner zinc coffin in accordance with the new regulations. He is buried in this and not in three matching coffins made of cypress, lead and oak, as was previously customary. Francis also deleted several other steps in the protocol during the revision.
Renouncing traditional papal pomp
Since the beginning of his pontificate in 2013, Francis has attached great importance to showing modesty and dispensing with traditional papal pomp. Unlike his predecessors, he lives in the Vatican guest house Santa Marta instead of the opulent Apostolic Palace not far from St. Peter's Basilica. When traveling, he dispenses with large official cars and is driven around in cars from the Italian car brand Fiat.
