How will Pope Francis’ funeral be conducted? In graphics

A picture of Pope Francis is shown inside the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul after the Pope’s passing
| Photo Credit: Russ Dillingham

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.

Among key changes Pope Francis proposed to funeral procedures, Pope Francis confirmed he would be buried at St. Mary Major basilica. Unlike previous Popes who were entombed within the grounds of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican, Pope Francis chose another final burial place, which was home to his favourite icon of the Virgin Mary.

Pope Francis was known to undertake apostolic journeys across the world to deliver speeches and meet with world leaders. Before and after every trip, he would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jewelled golden book.

Besides the change in burial place, Pope Francis opted for a simplified wooden coffin with a zinc coffin inside. This insistence on simplicity is reflected on how he describes himself in his autobiography as simply “a pastor and a disciple, not a powerful man of this world.”

(With inputs from AP)