These Are the Details of the Pope's Coffin That Have Gone Unnoticed

Society is still bidding farewell to Pope Francis. The funeral chapel was set up from the early hours of Tuesday in the Casa Santa Marta, and it has been shown in the first images released by the Holy See. These photographs reflect the great importance Pope Francis placed on gestures throughout his life.

These are images that have become widely discussed on social media and in the media. However, there are some details that have gone unnoticed by many. According to El Debate, there are several details that appear striking.

Firstly, the images of Pope Francis show modifications in what is usually seen on these occasions with other popes. Unlike the usual, the Pope's body has not been placed in the papal chapel. Instead, it has been laid in front of the altar of the modest chapel located in the Casa Santa Marta, the place where he lived during his pontificate.

It is the same intimate oratory where the Pope officiated mass every day. Also from where, in the early years of his pontificate, the Holy See used to share excerpts of his improvised homilies.

Secondly, the paschal candle is lit for the first time during the Vigil held a few hours before his passing. It has been placed next to the open casket. Made of beeswax, this liturgical symbol bears an image of the risen Christ, emerging victorious from the tomb as a sign of eternal life.

On the other hand, unlike what was done with John Paul II, the Pope's body has been presented without the crosier held between his arms. Instead, a rosary has been placed between his fingers.

Something that has also drawn attention is the coffin lined in red, the same color used by priests on Good Friday.

The Candidates

With the death of Pope Francis, many doubts have arisen about who will be next. Robert Sarah, emeritus prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, stands out. He is originally from Ourous, Guinea. At 79 years old and with a distinguished international career, he remains an influential figure.

There is also Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna, Italy, born in Rome and 69 years old. He is one of the most significant figures within the Italian Catholic Church.

Luis Tagle, born in Manila, Philippines, is 67 years old and serves as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization; his global profile makes him a strong candidate. Malcolm Ranjith, metropolitan archbishop of Colombo in Sri Lanka, is originally from Polgahawela and, at 77 years old, enjoys great respect on the Asian continent.

Pietro Parolin, current Secretary of State of the Vatican, was born in Schiavon, Italy, and at 70 years old is one of the most mentioned names in speculations about the next pontiff. Also considered relevant figures are Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

There is also Peter Turkson, from Ghana. He is the former president of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. As for the United States, Raymond Burke stands out, the candidate supported by Donald Trump.