New papal burial rites established at Pope Francis’ request

Pope Francis will have a different funeral from his predecessors, in accordance with his own wishes. In 2024, he decided to simplify the ceremony, particularly by departing from the centuries-old tradition of displaying the Pope’s body for public viewing.

In several interviews, Pope Francis expressed his wish to be buried “with dignity, but like any Christian.” As a result, he has decided that his body will not be displayed for public viewing.

Instead, it will be placed in an open coffin and the usual intermediate stage of lying in state in the Apostolic Palace for final respects by Church and civil authorities will be omitted.

The last images of such traditional rites remain those from 2023, following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, deri years after his resignation, and from the 2005 funeral of John Paul II.

New papal ritual

Pope Francis consolidated existing and updated rules in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis — the Order of Funeral Rites for a Roman Pontiff — approved on 29 April 2024.

This builds on the 1969 edition, which was already reinforced during the funerals of Paul VI and John Paul I in 1978, and later for John Paul II and Benedict XVI, in order to allow greater public participation.

The liturgy, while updated, preserves the Church’s traditions of entrusting the Bishop of Rome to God and ensuring an orderly transition of authority.

When and where will Pope Francis be buried?

The funeral typically takes place at least three days after death, allowing time for public visitation. The College of Cardinals will set the exact date and time for moving the body to St Peter’s.

Since Pope Paul VI, funeral Masses have been held on the basilica’s forecourt, with huge crowds attending. John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 saw some 200 world leaders in attendance.

The Mass will be celebrated by the Dean of the College of Cardinals — currently 90-year-old Giovanni Battista Re — who also co-celebrated Benedict XVI’s funeral alongside Pope Francis in 2023.

The Pope decided that his burial did not need to take place at St Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he has chosen to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he often prayed.

Burial outside the Vatican is not unprecedented. Other pontiffs interred elsewhere include Gregory VII (Salerno Cathedral), Celestine V (Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L’Aquila), and in Rome, Alexander VI, Benedict XIII, Clement XIV, Pius IX, and Leo XIII.