Pope Francis died: the last rituals and the way to the new Pope

Pope Francis died: the last rituals and the way to the new Pope

Pope Francis died at the age of 89. Death was officially found by the deputy state secretary, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who carried out the responsible ritual. Until the end, the Pope was in the hospital for pneumonia. The Camerlengo stated death in the presence of the secretary and the chancellor of the Apostolic Palace and informed those responsible in the Vatican about the loss, as kosmo.at

A historical ritual followed: The death of the Pope was previously found on the forehead by a blow with a silver hammer, but today it is a formal act. The Chancellor immediately created an official document on the death of the Pope, while the Camerlengo sealed the papal private seeds and took control of the Lateran Basilica and Castel Gandolfo.

burial ceremony and funeral fairs

The body is traditionally dressed in robes, including a red chalet and a white miter before it is laid out in St. Peter's Basilica for three days. Photographs of the deceased may only be taken with the approval of the Camerlengo. During this time there are mourning fairs every day, and the funeral period takes a total of nine days. ZDF reports that the burial must take place within four to six days after death.

Franziskus has decided to be buried in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, which has made him the first Pope for a century that is buried outside of the Vatican. His burial requests include a simple coffin, which consists of wood and zinc, and the tradition of being exhibited on an increased catadal was rejected by him. For the funeral, a white cloth is placed on the Pope's face as soon as the coffin is closed, while a documentary grave, the rogitum, is enclosed.

choice of a successor

In the time of the Sedis vacancy, which is referred to in German as an “empty chair”, the Cardinal College takes over the management of the church. No important decisions may be made without the consent of the college. The conclave for the choice of a new Pope takes place in the Sistine chapel and can begin at least 20 days after death, provided that all cardinals entitled to vote in the Vatican are present. According to rp online, only cardinals are allowed to go into the choice, which affects about 120 purple carriers.

The choice is secret and requires a two -thirds majority. If no candidate gains this majority, a new round of voting follows. The first ballot takes place on the first afternoon of the conclusion, followed by two more in the morning and two in the afternoon. Black smoke means that no pope has been chosen, while white smoke signals that a new pontifex has been appointed.

With the death of Pope Francis, an era ends, and the Catholic world looks expectantly on the upcoming changes in the highest church office.