Pope Francis’ funeral plan: A different farewell: Pope Francis overhauled his own funeral plan, which indicates a significant deviation from the Pope’s norms; this will be different this time

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, but he continued to make history. Known for his humility and commitment to reform, he has reimagined his own funeral. Now the planned things are drifting sharply from the tradition of centuries of the Vatican.

How did Pope Francis prepare for his funeral?

Pope Francis basically wrote a new script for his own funeral and for the future pope’s funeral, and made many changes to the pope’s funeral last year.

Last year, the Pope changed funerals by eliminating some prevalence and circumstances and placed more emphasis on humility. In violation of tradition, he chose a humble ceremony, buried outside the Vatican walls, and streamlined the ceremony, which marked the historic change in the Pope being remembered in his death as quoted in a report in Fortune.Please read also: Pope Francis dies: Who will become the next pope? This is the leader

His death will mark the beginning of the planning process that will differ greatly from his predecessors.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected at the age of 76 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned. He chose a less formal office attitude with a focus on reform, and his public life was characterized by meanness and compassion.
During his historical tenure as the Pope, Catholicism allowed same-sex unions and women to obtain voting rights at the Bishops’ meeting.

Why did he choose to be buried outside the Vatican?

He noted that he wanted to deal with his death even before changing funeral customs.
Francis announced in 2023 that he will be buried in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, compared to most popes who are buried in caves under St. Peter’s Basilica. He claimed that this would allow him to approach his favorite Madonna idol, as quoted in Fortune’s report.

What funeral changes did Pope Francis make?

There will be no many grand occasions and situations at Pope Francis’ funeral. Francis changed the funeral that will be held after his death last year. This is the first change in twenty-four years.

The Vatican must plan a funeral for the retired pope, the first in 600 years since the death of Pope Benedict XVI in 2022, which triggered changes. It also gives Francis a chance to make things easier.

He changed the arrangements of the pope’s funeral, such as eliminating the need for the pope, and placing the pope on an elevated platform in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. Instead, his body will be in the plain coffin along with the body of the future Pope.

According to Fortune, three interlocking coffins made of lead, cypress and wood were abandoned.

Adjustment emphasizes: “More importantly, the funeral of the Pope is the shepherds and disciples of Christ, not the capable people in this world,” Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of the pope’s liturgy, told Vatican News.

These rituals still require nine days of commemoration of the masses in the Vatican, but the reading of prayer and scriptures has been updated to reflect the new translation.

According to Fortune, as the Pope’s body is taken into St. Peter’s Basilica, there will be more remains of the saint.

FAQ

Where will Pope Francis be buried?
He chose Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, not the Vatican.

How is the funeral difference between Pope Francis?
It will be simpler, without triple coffins, without large platforms and more modest rituals.