Pope Francis Death and Funeral Rites

Pope Francis died on Monday, initiating a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals in Vatican City — Vatican City before the conclave to elect his successor. Pope Francis had previously revised these rites last year, simplifying the funeral rituals to emphasize his role as a bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican. The reforms are detailed in the 'Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis'. The changes were prompted by Pope Francis's own wishes and the unique circumstances of Pope Benedict XVI's funeral in 2022. Key figures involved in the process include Don Farrell, the camerlengo who oversees the Holy See administration during the interregnum, and Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical ceremonies who worked with Pope Francis on the reforms. The funeral will be presided over by Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, or Leonardo (company) if Re is unavailable. Pope Francis expressed a desire to be buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, reflecting his devotion to the Virgin Mary. Following the burial, the Catholic Church will observe nine days of mourning, known as the 'novemdiales', before the conclave begins.