This Is the Detail of Pope Francis's Burial That Has Shocked: No One Knew

Last Monday, Rome awoke to a different silence. The bells didn't ring as usual, and St. Peter's Square seemed to hold its breath. Although it was desired, the passing of Pope Francis left the city, and the Catholic world, in a state of deep shock.

Many knew that his health had been fragile for some time. The Pontiff's last public appearances showed a tired man, yet still close to the people. Despite everything, his death has come as an unexpected blow to the faithful and observers.

The Gesture That Left Many Speechless

Upon hearing the news, details of the will that Pope Francis had prepared before his passing began to circulate. One of them has caused a great impact: Francis had established that his burial would be financed by an anonymous benefactor. That is, it wouldn't be the Holy See that would assume those expenses, something completely uncommon in these cases.

This gesture fits perfectly with his humble and direct style, as in the past he had surprised by personally paying for his stay in Rome after being elected Pope. Now, in his will, he made it clear that he didn't want to be a financial burden for the Church, as reported in COPE. The text literally states: “the expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor I have arranged.”

For those who knew him, this is yet another display of the sense of humor and consistency that accompanied him until the end. It's not about a financial detail, but a message about his vision of the papacy: to be of service, without pretensions, even in death. That "everything is paid for" sounds, in Francis's voice, like a final smile directed at the world.

The Cardinals and the Machinery That Gets Underway

After the passing of a Pontiff, a meticulous process is activated within the Vatican. The first measure was taken by the college of cardinals: the date of the funeral. It will be held in St. Peter's Square, on Saturday at 10 a.m., gathering thousands of faithful and world leaders.

Meanwhile, cardinals over 80 years old, although they don't vote in the conclave, also participate in the preliminary meetings. There, the profile of the next Pope is discussed, taking into account the current challenges of the world. Topics like the war in Europe, tension in the Middle East, or global polarization are very present in these conversations.

One of the most delicate decisions will be the participation of Cardinal Becciu in the conclave. There are doubts about whether Francis left any indication about his role. These types of issues are solved in the first days after the Pontiff's death and could set the tone for the future conclave.