The funeral of the pontiff are regulated by a very specific liturgical document, the EXsequiarum Romani Pontificis Ordo Exsequiarum. Here are the news introduced by Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis, which took place on the Monday of the Angel, marked the beginning of the vacant headquarters and the start of one of the most solemn moments of the life of the Church: the funeral of the pontiff. To regulate this celebration is theOrdo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificisisthe official liturgical ritual for papal funeral, recently revised and updated by Francesco in 2024. The new ritual reflects in full his vision of a more essential church, close to the Gospel, oriented towards sobriety and testimony.
What is the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificisis
THE’Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificisis It is the document that establishes in detail the phases following the death of a Pope: from the observation of the death to the burial. The latest version, approved by Pope Francis on April 29, 2024, introduces significant simplifications while maintaining the traditional structure, divided into three fundamental moments:
- In the residence of the deceased – The Pope’s body is composed and placed in a simple coffin, in the presence of Cardinal Camerlengo and some prelates.
- In the Basilica of San Pietro – The coffin is transferred to the Vatican Basilica, where it is exposed to the veneration of the faithful. The funeral rite, celebrated by the dean of the Cardinal College, maintains solemnity but with a more sober tone.
- In the burial site – Tumulation takes place without the three traditional coffins (cypress, lead and oak), leaving the opportunity to choose a burial different from the Vatican crypt open.
The news wanted by Pope Francis
The new ordo fully reflects the spirit of the Vatican Council II and the pastoral sensitivity of Francesco. Among the main innovations introduced:
- Reduction of honorary qualificationsfavoring formulas like Bishop of Rome or Servant of the servants of God.
- Elimination of symbols considered superfluouslike the pastoral care or the triregno on the coffin.
- Greater centrality of the Word of God and hope in the resurrectionby placing the emphasis on the essence of the Christian message rather than on ceremonial or protocol elements.
All this helps to give the funeral rite a dimension of “noble simplicity“, Expression dear to the conciliar fathers.
The choice to reform theORDO Exsequiarum The profound desire of Pope Francis reveals to transform his farewell into an act of faith and service, rather than in a manifestation of power. The funeral – which will be held on Saturday 26 April 2025 at 10 on the churchyard of the Basilica of San Pietro according to the provisions of the new Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificisis – They will be followed by millions of faithful all over the world and will insecure his vision of a poor church, pilgrim and close to the last.
