Pope Francis' funeral rites are designed to reinforce hope and faith in resurrection. The rituals include prayers for eternal rest and for the Church. The rites are published in the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis". A revised edition of the book was published before Pope Francis' 88th birthday, simplifying and adapting the rites. The revised rites emphasize the Pope's role as a shepherd and disciple of Christ.
15 days ago
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 1. News of his death prompted reporters to set up cameras outside St. Peter's Square 1.
The Pope's funeral rites, like those of any Christian, are intended to "reinforce the hope and witness to the faith" 1. The prayer rituals are designed as moments of prayers for his eternal rest and for the church 1.
The rites and rituals used are published in the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis," initially approved by St. John Paul II and later modified 1. Pope Francis requested simplifications to better express the church's faith in the risen Christ 1. The revised rites highlight that the Pope's funeral is that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ 1. The funeral includes prayers, public viewing in St. Peter's Basilica, and burial 1. The body will be placed inside a zinc-lined coffin, open until the night before the funeral 1.
Francis requested to be buried at St. Mary Major instead of St. Peter's Basilica 1. He will be buried in a small storage closet between a statue of Mary and a Marian icon 1.
Following the funeral Mass, nine formal Masses ("novendiali") will be celebrated 1. After these nine days, the church will follow the "Ordo Rituum Conclavis" 1.
The Catholic Church views death as a transition to eternal life, marked by specific beliefs and practices .
Death marks the end of a person's earthly pilgrimage, representing the conclusion of the time of grace and mercy offered by God to live in accordance with the divine plan . It is the end of the opportunity to accept or reject divine grace manifested in Christ . The Church does not believe in reincarnation .
The New Testament speaks of judgement as a final encounter with Christ, but also affirms that each person will be rewarded immediately after death based on their works and faith . Upon death, each soul faces a particular judgment, where they receive either eternal reward or purification .
Those who die in God's grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live forever with Christ and see God face-to-face . Those who die burdened with grave sin face damnation . Purgatory is the state of purification for those who die in God's friendship but are not completely purified . In Purgatory, the soul is assured of eternal salvation while undergoing purification to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven . This purification involves the removal of every trace of sin and the correction of every imperfection, immersing the soul in Christ's love .
Christian funeral rites bring hope and consolation to the living . These rites recall God's mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn to God in times of crisis . The funeral rites express the Paschal character of Christian death and are adapted to the traditions of each region . The main moments in funerals include welcoming the body, the Liturgy of the Word, the Eucharistic Sacrifice, and the farewell, entrusting the soul to God . The Order of Christian Funerals provides rites for use in Christian funerals, divided into Vigil and Related Rites, Funeral Liturgy, and Rite of Committal . The Mass, as the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral .
The Church believes in the communion of saints, uniting those on earth, the saints in heaven, and those undergoing purification in Purgatory . Prayers and good works can be offered for those in Purgatory .
In summary, the Church views death as the end of earthly life and the beginning of eternal life, where each person faces judgment and is destined for heaven, hell, or purgatory. The funeral rites reflect the Paschal character of Christian death, offering hope and consolation to the living while entrusting the soul of the departed to God.