POPE FRANCIS DECREED SLIMMED DOWN FUNERAL RITES

ROME, April 21 (Bernama-dpa) -- Papal funerals have traditionally followed unique and intricate rituals, but Pope Francis initiated new rules for a more modest ceremony before his death, the German news agency (dpa) reported.

These imply less pomp and simpler rites, and he has opted for burial outside the Vatican's walls. His funeral will nevertheless be a global event.

In April 2024, Francis approved funeral regulation for popes under the title "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis", which was published in November.

The revised rites will – in line with Francis's directions – underline that the funeral of a pope is that of a "pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world."

The alterations slim down the protocol. Traditionally a deceased pope is transferred to the Apostolic Palace before being laid out on the catafalque, or raised bier.

But that is being dropped. Instead the pope will be shown in a simple wooden coffin. And the papal staff, which has a crucifix on top, will no longer be laid next to the coffin as a symbol of authority.

The body will be placed in a wooden coffin, which encloses a zinc coffin, as hitherto. But there will be no additional coffins of lead and oak, as there were for the funeral of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who died at the end of 2022 after resigning in 2013.

This means that only two, rather than four coffins will be used.

Francis made clear his wish to be interred in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his favourite places in Rome, and not in Vatican Grottoes under St Peter's.

Dignitaries, pilgrims and the curious from all over the world are expected to attend the ceremony at this site near Rome's Central Station.

-- BERNAMA-dpa