Pope Francis Begins Final Journey:Simplicity Marks Departure

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has begun the traditional rites of passage following his passing, with images released by the Vatican showing him laid in a simple, open wooden casket within the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence. The 88-year-old pontiff, who died on Monday, is depicted wearing a red robe, his papal mitre, and holding a rosary.

In a departure from established Vatican tradition, Pope Francis requested a straightforward wooden casket with a zinc lining, eschewing the elaborate triple-layered coffins of cypress, lead, and oak used for his predecessors. This preference for simplicity reflects his well-known humility and focus on austerity.

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The placement of a deceased pope within an open casket marks the beginning of a series of solemn rituals. Historically, the bodies of departed pontiffs were displayed on a grand bier within St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. However, Pope Francis opted for the more intimate setting of his residence chapel, aligning with his desire for a less ostentatious farewell.

The traditional papal funeral, known as the “novemdiales,” comprises nine days of mourning. These rituals typically involve the display of the pope’s body, masses, and prayers for the repose of his soul. In past centuries, the elaborate process included the preparation of the body, which was embalmed and dressed in papal vestments.

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The use of the three coffins, traditionally employed for popes, symbolized the various stages of the pontiff’s existence: the cypress for his earthly life, the lead for his enduring presence, and the oak for his majesty. However, Pope Francis’s choice of a singular, simple wooden casket underscores his emphasis on a more modest and direct transition.

The coming days will see further ceremonies, culminating in the funeral Mass, which will be held in St. Peter’s Square. The details of the funeral, including the burial location within the Vatican grottoes, will be announced in due course. These rites, steeped in centuries of tradition, serve as a final farewell to a leader of the Catholic Church, marking the end of his earthly journey and the beginning of his eternal rest.