The solemn announcement came from Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who announced: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Farrell paid tribute to the late Pope, describing how he had dedicated his “entire life” to God and the Catholic Church.
He called on the world to “live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
Now, as Vatican protocol dictates, the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis” — Latin for “Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs” — has officially been triggered, sparking a series of historic and significant events.
The funeral and burial of the Pope are scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
Sealed Doors, Wax Stamps, and Red Vestments
Among the first steps was dressing the Pope’s body in red liturgical vestments, preparing him for public viewing in an open casket at St. Peter’s Basilica.
His formal papal apartment at the Apostolic Palace was also sealed using wax and a red ribbon, declaring “sede vacante” — Latin for “the seat is vacant,” marking the period between popes.
Officials were seen threading the ribbon through the ornate door handles before sealing it with liquid wax embossed with Francis’ papal seal. Watch the moment below:
According to Sky, this ceremonial act is reportedly designed to “prevent looting,” though it’s largely symbolic given that Francis famously opted not to live in the lavish palace, choosing instead a simple suite at the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse.
This modest approach had defined his papacy since his election in 2013, with Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—choosing simplicity over grandeur. Rather than the 12-room top-floor apartment traditionally used by popes, he resided in a two-room space, shared meals in the communal dining area, and only used the papal library for official meetings.
The Ring, the Coins, and the Final Goodbye
Another significant tradition is the destruction of the Pope’s official papal ring — the Fisherman’s Ring — which bears an image of Saint Peter in a boat, with the pontiff’s name engraved around it.
Although valued at around $520,000, the ring will now be destroyed with a special hammer to prevent its misuse or forgery.
As noted, this act is largely symbolic due to advancements in security, but it remains a powerful gesture of finality.
Pope Francis had chosen a gold-plated silver ring, breaking from the tradition of solid gold.
His Camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell, will also place a bag of coins – minted during the Pope’s reign – and a written summary of his papacy inside the coffin before sealing it.
The funeral will mark the beginning of the official nine days of mourning — known as the “novemdiales.” Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, outside the Vatican, as per his wishes.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli explained that this decision reflected the Pope’s desire to “emphasize his role as a ‘pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world,’” according to ABC News.
What Happens Next: The Conclave
Following the funeral, at least 15 days must pass before the Conclave — the secretive and tightly controlled process for electing the next Pope — can begin.
All cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes. With 140 eligible cardinals currently available, the 20 youngest will be excluded, bringing the number of voters to 120.
Twice daily, cardinals will vote on paper ballots that are burned after each session. Two stoves in the chapel are used: one to burn the ballots, and the other to signal the results to the world. Black smoke indicates no decision. White smoke signals that a new Pope has been chosen.
Once a clear decision is reached, the newly elected Pope will be asked to confirm his papal name in a side chapel, before stepping out onto the papal balcony to be introduced to the world.
Modesty in Death
Francis’ funeral will break with tradition in more ways than one.
Canon law dictates the burial must occur between the fourth and sixth day following the Pope’s death — in this case, between April 24 and April 27, 2025. Unlike his predecessors, he requested a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc, rather than the customary three coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak.
He will also become the first Pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican walls, further underscoring his deep commitment to humility and simplicity.
Our thoughts continue to go out to every person affected by Pope Francis’ passing.
