When a Pope dies, the world turns to the Vatican, where a complex and solemn ritual is made to mark the end of his pontificate. A Pope’s funeral is not only a religious event, but also a ceremony full of traditions, symbolisms and protocols.
Understand how a Pope’s funeral works, the main rituals involved and what happens after his death.
The Pope’s death: the initial protocol
After the death of a Pope, a series of protocols begins immediately, led by the cardinals and the Vatican Secretariat of State.
Before the funeral is performed, the first step is the confirmation of death. To ensure that the news is true, a Vatican officer, traditionally the Camerlengo, officially declares death.
After confirmation, the Pope is prepared for the funeral, following a series of traditions of the Catholic Church, which include embalming (if necessary) and body preparation.
The first rituals: the body and the vigil
After death, the Pope’s body is placed in a coffin and usually remains exposed for three days in a waking period. During this time, the body is venerated by the faithful who make a pilgrimage to the Vatican to pay their last honors. The Pope is veiled in a Vatican -specific chapel, usually in St. Peter’s Basilica.
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During this period of mourning, leaders from around the world, including heads of state, diplomatic and cardinal enclosures from various parts of the planet, gather to pay tribute to the deceased Pope. This is also a moment of reflection and prayer for the Catholic Church, which awaits the new leader.
The Pope’s funeral: the religious ceremony
A Pope’s funeral is held in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and follows a very specific traditional rite. The event is chaired by the Vatican Camerlengo, replacing the deceased Pope. Although the rite is Catholic, it attracts the attention of faithful and observers of various religions and cultures.
Funeral Mass is a ceremony full of symbolism, which includes reading biblical passages, liturgical songs and the participation of cardinals, bishops and priests. The ceremony is presided by the dean of the Cardinian College, which is the oldest member of the Cardinal College, which temporarily assumes the leadership of the Church until the election of the new Pope.
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Pope’s burial: the last act
After the funeral, the Pope’s body is buried. Traditionally, the Pope is buried in the Vatican caves, an underground area of St. Peter’s Basilica, where many previous popes are buried. The burial ceremony is simple, but equally loaded with symbolism.
In some cases, the Pope may be buried in another part of the Vatican, depending on special decisions or the circumstances of his death. Burial is always marked by a last prayer and an act of reverence by the cardinals present.
The protocol after the funeral: the process of election of the new Pope
After the funeral, the process of election of the new Pope is initiated. The Cardinis College, consisting of cardinals under 80, is responsible for choosing the successor. The conclave is held in a chamber specially prepared for this moment, where cardinals are isolated until a decision is made.
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The new Pope is elected after a series of secret voting. The smoke that comes out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating the Pope’s choice, is one of the most awaited moments by Catholics and non -Catholics around the world.
