As Pope Francis embarks on his final journey, the ceremonial practices surrounding his funeral reveal both continuity and change within the Vatican, culminating in a request for a modest burial, characteristic of his papacy.
A Simplified Farewell: The Last Journey of Pope Francis
A Simplified Farewell: The Last Journey of Pope Francis
The transition of Pope Francis’ funeral rituals reflects both tradition and modern simplicity, underscoring his legacy of humility.
In One Image: Prelude to a Funeral
By Tomás Munita and Peter Robins
The rituals surrounding the Vatican often seem timeless, resisting the tides of change. Yet, a closer look at the ceremonial farewell for Pope Francis showcases both tradition and simplicity. Accompanied by the Swiss Guards adorned in the historic Medici colors, Francis’ final journey coincides with a starkly simplified coffin—an adjustment made at his own behest, departing from the opulent nested coffins used historically for popes.
While much of the world focuses on his funeral in real-time, many of the faithful were determined to witness Francis one last time, traveling from afar to gather at St. Peter’s Square. Even as traditions fade, remnants persist, such as the pallbearers who hark back to the ancient tradition of the papal sediari, who once carried the pope in grand style—an era that concluded with Pope John Paul II.
This solemn procession, which occurred Wednesday morning, marked a departure from extravagance, as Francis had approved a simplified format for papal funerals last year. Compared to the resplendent heritage of Roman Catholic ceremonies, the simplicity here felt profound. His coffin, conveyed from the Casa Santa Marta—where he chose to reside over the more regal papal apartments—was carried to St. Peter’s Basilica where it will lie in state for three days beneath the vast Renaissance dome adorned by Bernini's bronze canopy.
While the coffin rests on a simple pedestal rather than a bier, and without a private viewing for cardinals at the Apostolic Palace, it did have a moment of intimate farewells in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta.
The arching grandeur of St. Peter’s will not be the final resting place for Francis. In obedience to his wishes, he will be interred at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he sought solace in prayer before and after his many journeys. His will specifies a humble grave “in the earth,” bearing the simple inscription: “Franciscus.”
By Tomás Munita and Peter Robins
The rituals surrounding the Vatican often seem timeless, resisting the tides of change. Yet, a closer look at the ceremonial farewell for Pope Francis showcases both tradition and simplicity. Accompanied by the Swiss Guards adorned in the historic Medici colors, Francis’ final journey coincides with a starkly simplified coffin—an adjustment made at his own behest, departing from the opulent nested coffins used historically for popes.
While much of the world focuses on his funeral in real-time, many of the faithful were determined to witness Francis one last time, traveling from afar to gather at St. Peter’s Square. Even as traditions fade, remnants persist, such as the pallbearers who hark back to the ancient tradition of the papal sediari, who once carried the pope in grand style—an era that concluded with Pope John Paul II.
This solemn procession, which occurred Wednesday morning, marked a departure from extravagance, as Francis had approved a simplified format for papal funerals last year. Compared to the resplendent heritage of Roman Catholic ceremonies, the simplicity here felt profound. His coffin, conveyed from the Casa Santa Marta—where he chose to reside over the more regal papal apartments—was carried to St. Peter’s Basilica where it will lie in state for three days beneath the vast Renaissance dome adorned by Bernini's bronze canopy.
While the coffin rests on a simple pedestal rather than a bier, and without a private viewing for cardinals at the Apostolic Palace, it did have a moment of intimate farewells in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta.
The arching grandeur of St. Peter’s will not be the final resting place for Francis. In obedience to his wishes, he will be interred at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he sought solace in prayer before and after his many journeys. His will specifies a humble grave “in the earth,” bearing the simple inscription: “Franciscus.”
