The death of Pope Francis initiates a series of established rites leading to his burial, including certification of death and public display. Revisions made by Francis prior to his death allow for a simpler, more pastoral funeral and burial outside the Vatican, reflective of his wishes. These changes follow adaptations made after Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI's passing, marking the first review of these rites since 2000. The focus remains on the Pope's role as a disciple of Christ rather than as a worldly figure, as affirmed by Archbishop Diego Ravelli.
The reforms are incorporated into the slim red volume 'Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis,' Latin for 'Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs.'
In explaining the reforms, Ravelli said the changes aimed 'to emphasize even more that the Roman Pontiff's funeral is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world.'
The changes became necessary after Francis expressed his own wishes, and after Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI died on Dec. 31, 2022.
While popes often tinker with the rules regulating the conclave that elects their successor, a revision of the papal funeral rites hadn't been undertaken since 2000.
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