According to the Apostolic Constitution, the pope’s funeral must take place between the fourth and sixth day after his death.
The death of Pope Francis has triggered the sede vacante protocol. The cardinals have been summoned to a first general congregation meeting on Tuesday morning. During this gathering, the date of the funeral will be established, and preparations for the conclave will begin, which must take place between 15 and 20 days after the pontiff’s death.
As outlined in the Apostolic Constitution, the funeral is to be held between the fourth and sixth day following the pope’s passing. Therefore, it is expected to take place between Friday and Sunday. The event will be a state ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica, with the attendance of heads of state and members of royal families.
U.S. President Donald Trump was the first head of state to confirm his attendance. “He was a good man, he worked hard, and he loved the world,” said the American president.
The pope’s body was transferred to the chapel of the Santa Marta residence on Monday night. On Wednesday, it will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for public viewing. His apartment has been officially sealed.
Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a decision he had stipulated in his will. The chosen site is the Pauline Chapel, where the Byzantine icon Salus Populi Romani is kept—before which the pope would pray before and after each international trip.
The Holy See announced that the tomb will be simple, with no embellishments or additional inscriptions, except for his name in Latin: Franciscus. In doing so, he becomes the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
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