Pope Francis dies at 88, simplifies his own funeral plans
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. Jorge Mario Bergoglio began planning his funeral back in 2023, when he also revealed his wish to simplify the papal funeral ceremonies. The head of the Church intended to be laid to rest not in the Vatican, but in Rome.
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. Jorge Mario Bergoglio led the Catholic Church since March 13, 2013.
Although the pope's death is a shock to many, Francis revealed at the end of 2023, in an interview with Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki, that he had long been preparing for this moment.
The pope stated at the time that "when old age and limitations arrive, one must prepare" and "for this reason, he met with the master of ceremonies to simplify the papal funerals, which will be much simpler." "I will launch the new ritual," he added.
Francis stated his intention to be buried outside the Vatican, saying that he had arranged for his burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a place he holds in deep esteem due to his devotion to the icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani, which is housed there.
Changes in the funeral ceremony
The decision regarding the new burial site was not the only change advocated by the late pope. Francis also decided to simplify the ceremony by eliminating some traditional elements.
According to the new rules, the body of the deceased pope will immediately be placed in a coffin for public viewing. This is a departure from the previous practice of displaying the body on a catafalque. Furthermore, the tradition of three coffins has been abandoned – Francis's body will rest in two: one zinc and one wooden.
The last modernization of the rules regarding the burial of a pope took place in 1998, during the pontificate of John Paul II.
