Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Vatican released the first photos of his body, which is lying in state. The funeral Mass is scheduled for April 26 in St. Peter's Square, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presiding. The Pope's body will be available for public viewing starting April 23 in St. Peter's Basilica. The College of Cardinals has convened, and the body will be entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
10 days ago
The Vatican has released the first photos of Pope Francis after his death, showing him in red vestments with a rosary 1. Bells tolled across Rome as the papal apartments were sealed 2. The umbrellinos in the Church's basilicas were closed, symbolizing the vacant papal chair 2. Priests around the world prayed the canon without reference to the Pope for the first time in many years 2.
Pope Francis' funeral Mass, known as the "Missa poenitentialis," will be held on April 26th at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square 1 4 6. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the liturgy 3 6. The Pope's body will be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on April 23rd for public viewing until April 25th 1 3 6. Following the funeral, the body will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment 6. The funeral marks the beginning of the "novendiales," nine days of mourning 1.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, oversaw the initial rites, including the formal verification of death and the sealing of the papal apartments 1 2 3. The College of Cardinals held its first "general congregation" to discuss Church business and the qualities desired in the next Pope 1 4. During the meeting, the cardinals drew lots to select three cardinals to assist Cardinal Farrell: Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Fabio Baggio, and Stanisław Ryłko 1 4. Pope Francis' final testament was read, in which he requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major 1 4. All scheduled beatifications have been postponed until the next Pope decides on new dates 4.
There is no clear frontrunner for Pope, and the College of Cardinals is fragmented 2. Potential candidates mentioned include Parolin, Zuppi, Grech, Erdo, Tagle, and Pizzaballa 2. The cardinals face the challenge of a Church sharply divided after Pope Francis' papacy 2. Some see Francis' papacy as a triumph of accommodationist theology, while others believe his direction was correct for the Church's mission 2. The next Pope will also face immediate responsibilities, including the Vatican's financial challenges 2.
The Catholic Church's teachings on papal succession are rooted in the concept of apostolic succession, which maintains that the authority and ministry of the apostles are passed down through the bishops to the Pope . The Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, holds a unique position of primacy in the Church .
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
In summary, the Catholic Church views papal succession as a critical aspect of its apostolicity, ensuring the continuity of the Church's mission and teachings from the time of the apostles to the present day. The election of the Pope is a process guided by the College of Cardinals, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, to choose the next successor of St. Peter.