How will Pope Francis’ funeral be conducted? In graphics

Pope Francis funeral news: After Pope Francis’ death on April 21, preparations for his funeral have begun. Here is how the affair will unfold.

Papal funerals and last rite ceremonies have remained largely unchanged through the years, with each Pope’s passing following a uniform procedural template. While methods of embalming the body might have improved through the centuries, other aspects like the final resting place, coffin structure and the process for paying respects have remained the same.

Pope Francis death LIVE

However, Pope Francis had brought in some changes last year in a liturgical document in order to simplify some aspects of the ceremony. These changes include a simplified coffin and a change in the final burial place.

Firstly, he wanted his death to be ascertained in a private chapel, as against his residence as per tradition. Accordingly, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, did the ascertainment in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta.

After ascertaining the Pope’s death, his private quarters were sealed along with the papal apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace. The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of Vatican Popes, although Pope Francis chose to live in a suite in Casa Santa Marta just five minutes away. After this, a ceremonial hammer is used to destroy the late Pope’s ring so it cannot be reused.

Following the Pope’s death, a nine-day mourning period begins. The Vatican announced earlier today (April 22, 2025) that the public viewing of Pope Francis will be held on April 23 and his funeral on April 26.

Explore what happens right after the Pope’s death until his final burial with the graphic below.