The death of Pope Francis interrupts the Holy Year. Here’s what happens in the days of the vacant office, from the funeral to the new Conclave
The death of Pope Francis interrupt theHoly Year At its most symbolic moment. With the official confirmation of the death, a period of complex transition opens up and regulated by ancient but precise rules: it is the so -called Vacanta key moment in the life of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, who expressed the desire to be buried in the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and not in the Basilica of San Pietro, recently modified the rules that regulate the pontiff’s funeral. The funerals thus become simpler than in the past.
Among the innovations introduced with the second typical edition of theOrdo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificisisapproved on April 29, 2024, the observation of death no longer takes place in the deceased’s chamber, but in the chapel. At this moment follows the immediate deposition of the body in the coffin and its exposure to the veneration of the faithful, with the body already placed inside the open coffin.
Pope Francis also ordered the elimination of traditional three coffins – one of cypress, a lead and one of oak – used in previous papal funeral. The new liturgical book is a review of the previous one Editio TypicaofOrdo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificisisapproved in 1998 by San Giovanni Paolo II and published in 2000, which had been used for the funeral of Wojtyła himself in 2005 and, with some adaptations, for those of the Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in 2023.
The simplification process wanted by Francesco also concerned the Novedialthe masses of suffrage celebrated in the nine days following the funeral. Also in this case the ritual has been lightened: the new system provides for three prayer formulars of your choice for the nine days, instead of the four previously in use.
The Pope’s funeral will be celebrated by Cardinal Decano, a role currently played by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who has recently been confirmed in this assignment by Pope Bergoglio.
From the observation of death to Conclaveeach passage follows a codified protocol that ensures continuity and order in the spiritual guide of over one billion faithful. Here’s what happens.
Official observation of death
The Chamberlaintogether with Dean of the Cardinal College and and official witnesses, verify the absence of vital signs. After the observation, the Death certificatean act that formally sanctions the end of the pontificate.
Start of the vacant office
With the assessment of the death the Vacant. The church government functions are temporarily entrusted to the Camerlengo, which operates with the support of Three rotary cardinalswaiting for theElection of successor.
Destruction of the fisherman’s ring, cancellation of the seal and the papal apartment
THE’Pope’s ring is broken, and the papal seal officially canceled. Finally, the papal apartment is sealed: in this case, it is that of the Santa Marta house where Pope Francis lived. It is symbolic gestures which mark the closure of the pontificate and prevent any improper use of the authority of the deceased Pope.
Official communication
The death of the pontiff is immediately notified to the Cardinal Vicar of Romeal Dean of the Cardinal College and al Diplomatic body accredited at the Holy See. A formal bulletin spreads the news to the world.
Novedials and mourning
Follow Nine days of mourning and prayernotice how novedial. In all dioceses they are celebrated put in suffrage. THE jubilee rites They are suspended as a sign of respect.
Funeral vigil and tribute of the faithful
There body of the pope is composed with liturgical vestments and translated into the Basilica of San Pietrowhere he is exhibited for the last farewell. The faithful can access for the Vigil and homage.
Solemn funeral
The funeral It takes place between the fourth and sixth day after death. Is chaired by Dean of the Cardinal College and takes place according to the indications left by Francesco: sobriety, simplicity And prayer.
Burial
At the end of the celebration, the body is buried in one wooden coffinin Vatican caves or in another place indicated by the Pope himself. There burial takes place in reserved form.
Convocation of the Conclave
The Chamberlain convene the Conclave within 15–20 days from the beginning of the vacant office. Only i are called to participate cardinals under 80 years old.
General Congregations
In the days preceding the conclave, the cardinals meet in plenary sessions. During the General Congregations The state of the Church is discussed and the Profiles of the future pontiff.
Election of the new Pope
The Conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapelin conditions of complete isolation. The cardinals vote up to four times a day, until the qualified majority of two thirds.
Black smoke or white smoke
At the end of each vote, the world awaits the visual signal: black smoke indicates inconclusive vote, white smokeannounces theelection of the new Pope.
Proclamation and blessing
The Elected pope accepts the assignment, chooses the pontifical name and overlooks the balcony of the Basilica of San Pietro for the official proclamation with the formula “Habemus papam”. The blessing follows Urbi et orbi.
Resumption of the Jubilee
With the beginning of the new pontificatethe Holy Year can continue. The jubilant celebrations resume under the guidance of the new Bishop of Romemarking the spiritual and pastoral continuity of the Church.
