The Vatican in mourning. These 5 things need to know about the death of Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025 is a new history of the Catholic Church. The period began Sede Vacantei.e. vacancies in the capital of Peter, which will last to choose a new pope. At this time, the Vatican is guided by strictly defined procedures that are aimed at ensuring the continuity of the spiritual and administrative power of the Church. What do you need to know about it?
When will the funeral of Pope Francis?
« The most expensive brothers and sisters, with deep pain, I have to announce the death of our Holy Father. At 7.35 this morning the bishop of Rome Francis returned to the Father’s house, » said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a message given by the Vatican press office.
At the moment, no information has been provided when the funeral will take place. According to the Apostolic Constitution, « Universi Dominici Gregis », which sets out the principles of the Sede Vacante period, the funeral of Pope Francis should be organized between the fourth and sixth day from the moment of official confirmation of his death.
Where will Pope Francis buried?
What should the funeral of Pope Francis look like? It is known what this issue looks like, because the Pope gave clear dispositions while still in his lifetime. In 2024, Francis changed the burial rules and simplified the funeral rituals. Funeral ceremonies will take place, according to tradition, in St. Peter’s Square. However, Francis, unlike many of his predecessors, expressed his wish to be buried in the Roman basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, near his beloved Madonna icon.
You can read more about the findings of Pope Francis in the article: This was the last will of Pope Francis. It’s about burial
Who will appear at the funeral of Pope Francis?
At the funeral of Pope Francis, both representatives of the Catholic Church and other religions may appear. In addition, the heads of countries, government delegations, representatives of international organizations and the media also take part in the ceremony. In addition, faithful from around the world also come to the papal funeral.
Pope Francis expressed his wish that his funeral should be more modest, which may affect the final form of the ceremony and the number of participants compared to the funerals of his predecessors.
Conclave. When is the election of a new pope?
The choice of a new pope is one of the events that accompany the death of the previous bishop of Rome. Then cardinals-electricians gather in the Vatican and in closing, in the Sistine chapel, in an atmosphere of prayer and mutual understanding, they choose the successor of the deceased Pope.
The conclave, as a rule, takes place in the Vatican from 15 to 20 days after the funeral of the Pope. According to information provided by Fr. Owl on TVN 24, the earliest should be expected that the conclave will take place in mid -May 2025. Who can become a pope? This is the course of the conclave step by step.
Who will be the Pope now?
From February 2025, i.e. the moment when Pope Francis began to suffer from bronchitis and was hospitalized, the so -called Vatican stock exchange. Among the candidates to take the head of the church include Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, chairman of the Italian Episcopate, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, associated closely with the Roman Curia, and cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg.
You will learn more about it here: Who will become the new pope? The list of candidates is short. « We can basically be sure »
