Pope Francis died today 21st April, 2025 at the age of 88.

His upcoming burial  which is usually four to six days after passing is not an ordinary process, as it consists of rituals rich in symbolism and tradition.

Once a pope dies, only the Camerlengo (Chamberlin)  who is the Vatican’s overseer of property and revenues can initiate and conduct all the necessary rituals.

First, he confirms the death by calling the pope by his baptismal name(Jorge Mario Bergoglio) three times, before declaring that he is no more.

A ceremonial destruction of the Pope’s ring then follows to protect it against any misuse and signify the end of Pope’s authority.

The Vatican notifies the Cardinals and Catholic leaders, after which a Novemdiales (mourning period where daily Masses will be held in Pope’s memory) is announced.

The Pope’s body is expected to be washed, then dressed in red and white papal vestments before being placed in a dignified public setting where faithfuls will pay their last respect to him.

Finally, he’ll be buried with his body having a white silk veil over his face, alongside a lead tube containing a written biography detailing his life and legacy. The tube include medals and coins minted during his reign.

Traditionally, a Pope was being placed and buried in three symbolic coffins.

One coffin where the Pope’s body lie was made of cypress to represent humility. Once sealed, the cypress coffin was placed within an airtight second coffin made of zinc or lead to represent his everlasting spiritual legacy.

The coffin was then enclosed in a third coffin made of oak wood and marked with a gold cross and the papal coat of arms to protect the other two coffins.

However, when Pope Francis revised the funeral rites, he made it so the burial no longer requires the traditional three coffins made of cypress, lead and oak but just one. He will therefore be buried in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin.

The current Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell who officially announced the Pope’s demise will refer to a 400-page handbook called “Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff” offering strict guidance on a papal funeral.

With the current vacancy in the Pope’s office, the College of Cardinals oversees the day-to-day activities although their powers are extremely limited.

The Vatican is currently in an interregnum period referred to as as Sede Vacante, where the throne of St. Peter is empty.