Pope Francis' funeral will be simplified version of past papal funerals, per his change of papal funeral rites

The upcoming funeral for Pope Francis will blend long-standing traditions with modern updates, following changes made by the pope to the Catholic Church’s papal funeral customs.

Francis died Monday at age 88, the Vatican announced.

While many traditional elements of papal funerals with roots tracing back to ancient Rome will be retained, certain aspects such as the design of Francis’ coffin, the process of confirming his passing, the choice of burial site, and how he will be honored and mentioned during the service will deviate from historical practices.

Francis, who had been grappling with pneumonia and had recently been discharged from the hospital to make an appearance on Easter Sunday, had been contending with health issues for an extended period, including undergoing surgery to remove part of one of his lungs when he was younger.

Another notable change includes how the pope will be referenced during the ceremony following his death. Rather than being referenced by past titles he has obtained as a clergy leader in the Catholic Church, officials will mostly use Latin terms for “pope,” “bishop,” or “pastor.”

archbishop shrouding face of the late Pope John Paul II during funeral

Archbishop Stanislaw Dsiwisz (Right) places a white veil over the face of late Pope John Paul II as Archbishop Piero Marini looks on, prior to closing the coffin for burial in the grottos beneath St. Peter’s Basilica April 8, 2005 at the Vatican. The grottoes form a cramped underground cemetery beneath St. Peter’s Basilica where pontiffs  throughout the ages, royals and even an emperor have been laid to rest. (Photo by Osservatore Romano-Pool/Getty Images)

Archbishop Ravelli said during a 2024 presentation of the revised papal funeral rights that a new edition was reflective of Francis’ view, stated on several occasions Ravelli said, “of the need to simplify and adapt certain rites so that the celebration of the funeral of the Bishop of Rome may better express the faith of the Church in the Risen Christ.”

Before the new edition of the papal rites was formally passed, the church followed the guidelines in the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis” approved in 1998 by Saint John Paul II and published two years later, according to The National Catholic Register. 

Those guidelines were used for Pope John Paul II’s 2005 funeral, but was modified to meet the unusual circumstances of Pope Benedict XVI’s passing.

You May Also Like
Play about 'gay' Prince George causes outrage: Off-Broadway show depicts 11-year-old's fictionalised future using drugs and engaging in BDSM - as audiences say it's 'creepy fan-fic'

Controversial Off-Broadway Show Sparks Outrage with Depiction of Fictional Future for Prince George

A controversial production in off-Broadway revolves around depicting the future of Prince…
Active shooter, wildfire situation unfolding in Idaho after firefighters ambushed in deadly incident

“Developing Crisis in Idaho: Active Shooter and Wildfire Events Unfolding as Firefighters Face Ambush”

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Authorities are on the…
Joe Rogan reveals his huge fears about bread in America

Joe Rogan shares his significant concerns about bread in the United States

Joe Rogan has voiced fears about the ingredients used in bread in America,…
Mount Rushmore experts reveal if Trump can be added to the iconic monument - as sculptor's granddaughter gives blunt response

Mount Rushmore specialists discuss the possibility of adding Trump to the famous monument, while the granddaughter of the sculptor provides a direct answer.

Donald Trump’s aspiration to have his face carved into Mount Rushmore is…
How Katy Perry hinted at Orlando Bloom split in heartbreaking song about BETRAYAL on new album

Katy Perry subtly suggested trouble in her relationship with Orlando Bloom in a poignant song on her latest album discussing betrayal.

Fans of Katy Perry believe that the pop star may have hinted…
2 teens shot near NYC’s Stonewall Inn after Pride March: police

Police report 2 teenagers shot near Stonewall Inn following NYC Pride March

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Two teens were shot…
Lifeguard Charles Leto charged in Douglass Park shooting appears in court; Laquan McDonald's cousin injured, Marjay Dotson killed

Lifeguard Charles Leto, the accused in the shooting at Douglass Park, is seen in court; Laquan McDonald’s relative injured, and Marjay Dotson is dead

A lifeguard involved in a fatal shooting at a park on the…
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hold hands on romantic date as her bitter ex mocks her publicly

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Spotted Hand in Hand on Romantic Outing Amid Ex’s Public Taunts

On their way to dinner in Manhattan, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce…
Senate Republicans are in a sprint on Trump's big bill after a weekend of setbacks

Senate Republicans are rushing to push through Trump’s major bill following a challenging weekend.

Following a difficult weekend full of obstacles, the Senate is gearing up…
Blue Origin successfully completes 13th crewed suborbital flight

Blue Origin successfully finishes 13th manned spaceflight to the edge of space

Blue Origin conducted its 13th crewed mission to the edge of space…
Beyonce's team breaks silence after harrowing mid-air car stunt leaves her screaming 'Stop' onstage

Beyonce’s team speaks out after frightening car incident in the air causes her to yell ‘Stop’ while performing

Beyoncé had a horrifying moment during her concert in her hometown of Houston,…
Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella dead: Gang member who killed Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz' dies at Coxsackie Correctional Facility

Gang Member Responsible for Killing Lesandro ‘Junior’ Guzman-Feliz Dies in Prison

NEW YORK — The individual who was a member of a gang…