THE GOAN tribute to Pope Francis
The passing of our beloved Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, though it was expected anytime soon now due to his advancing age and ill health has created a shock among the faithful of the world. He was loved by millions for his simplicity and pastoral care of the sick and suffering especially among the war-torn countries and refugees.
With the passing away of our beloved Pope Francis, the media will now engage in discussing about the funeral of the deceased pope and the election of the new one. Here is a quick review of the protocol that is followed by the Vatican in the event of the death of the pope.
The Apostolic Constitution on the Election of the Roman Pontiff, Pope Paul VI – 1975 tells us what happens when pope dies and a new pope has to be elected.
STEP 1
A pope’s death is immediately confirmed by the head of the Vatican’s health department and the Cardinal Chamberlain/Camerlengo, who becomes the Vatican’s de facto administrator. He certifies officially that the Pope is dead by calling his name three times at his bedside.
STEP 2
The pope’s body is dressed in a white cassock and brought to the pope’s private chapel. The cardinal chamberlain/Camerlengo and other officials, along with members of the pope’s family, congregate in the private chapel for a ceremony.
STEP 3
The body is placed in a coffin made of wood and lined with zinc. The Pope is dressed in red, his mitre and the pallium (papal dress) placed next to him.
STEP 4
After the ceremony, the Camerlengo drafts a document authenticating the pope’s death, affixing the doctor’s report. He secures the pontiff’s private papers and seals his apartments. The pope's fisherman's ring is removed from his finger and broken with a hammer, marking the end of his authority. His private chambers are sealed, and the Vatican enters a period known as Sede Vacante ("the seat is vacant"), where governance of the Church temporarily shifts to the College of Cardinals.
In rewriting the funeral rites in 2024, late Pope Francis simplified several elements. Since the 13th century, the bodies of the popes have gone on public view, their embalmed bodies were placed on a raised pedestal. There was private viewing for cardinals, bishops and other members of the church hierarchy as well as the prominent Italian officials. Late Pope Francis said a public viewing of his remains will take place directly in St. Peter’s Basilica but his body will remain in the coffin and it will not be on a raised pedestal.
STEP 5
The funeral and burial of the pope takes place six days after his death. The funeral rites in various churches in Rome last for nine days called Novendiale. Past popes were put in three coffins, one of cypress, one of zinc and one of elm. But as part of Francis’ rule change, he decreed that he would be buried in a single coffin, made of wood and lined in zinc.
STEP 6
The coffin is closed the night before the funeral. The pope’s face is covered with a white silk veil, and he is buried with a bag containing coins minted during his papacy and a container with a “rogito,” or deed, briefly listing details of his life and papacy. The rogito (Italian) is read aloud before the coffin is closed.
The previous popes were buried in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis has asked to be buried instead in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, (Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica) a church dear to him and one he often visited to pray in front of an icon of the Virgin Mary.
STEP 7
Within 15 to 20 days of the pope’s death, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will summon the cardinals to Rome for what is known as a conclave to elect pope’s successor. The period between the death of a pope and the election of a new one is called the Sede Vacante (“the seat is vacant”.) During that time, the College of Cardinals keeps general oversight of the Church, but it is barred from making any major decisions. During this period till the new pope is elected the clergy will not anymore take the name of pope Francis during the Holy Eucharist.
STEP 8
When the cardinals meet, they gather in the Sistine Chapel. All cardinal electors must swear an oath of secrecy and vote by secret ballot. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. A two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new pope. Cardinals are not allowed to leave the conclave except in rare cases. During the conclave, the cardinals live in Casa Santa Marta, which was built by John Paul II. The previous conclave - when Pope Benedict stepped down in 2013 - took just a day, but technically they can last weeks, months or even years. “Conclave” means the carefully determined place, a kind of sacred retreat, where, after asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten them, the cardinal electors choose the Supreme Pontiff, and where the cardinals and other officials and staff, remain day and night until the election is complete, and do not communicate with persons and things outside. No letters nor phones allowed.
STEP 9
After every vote, smoke is released through a chimney that can be seen from St. Peter’s Square, where crowds typically form to watch and wait. If a vote ends without a two-thirds majority, the smoke is black.
STEP 10
When a decision is reached, the smoke is white. The dean of the college asks the chosen successor whether he accepts the job. After getting the presumed yes, the dean asks him for the name he wishes to be called as pope.
In the sacristy of the chapel, the new pontiff is dressed in a white cassock. After greeting the cardinals, he proceeds to a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where a senior cardinal proclaims, in Latin, “Habemus papam” or “We have a pope.”
[The writer is Director of Catechism in Northern Arabia.]
