The Vatican Marks a Key Date on the Calendar After Pope Francis's Death

The Vatican is experiencing a few frenetic hours. After the death of Pope Francis was certified this Monday, all the necessary institutional machinery has been set in motion. All the wishes of a pontiff who knew how to step outside the pre-established with simplicity and without making too much noise have also been reviewed.

In this regard, the Vatican has already released the details of Pope Francis's funeral, who passed away at the age of 88 at the Casa Santa Marta. The Holy See has informed that the casket will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, at 9:00 a.m. It will be there where the faithful can pay homage to the Argentine.

Meanwhile, the funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Square. The dean, Giovanni Battista Re, will be in charge of presiding over the ceremony, which will be attended by numerous heads of state and representatives of different religions. The procession will start from Santa Marta, pass through the homonymous square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, until reaching the Vatican basilica.

Pope Francis's Instructions Before Dying

Faithful to his humble character, Pope Francis left precise instructions for his farewell. In November 2024, he modified some of the traditional rituals, opting for a sober ceremony, in line with his pastoral style. After the mass, his casket will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, as he himself stipulated.

The confirmation of the death was officially announced by the Vatican at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, although it occurred at 7:45 a.m. Later, at 8:00 p.m., the rite of verification was performed with the presence of cardinals and Vatican authorities. The cause of death was a cerebral stroke.

Following protocol, his room has been sealed, as well as the papal apartment, and the papal ring has been destroyed. With the vacant seat, the process for electing the new pontiff begins. The conclave, which could be held between May 5 and 10, will gather the cardinal electors under 80 years old.

The Whole World Will Await the Popular White Smoke

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, camerlengo and interim head of the Church's government, will be responsible for convening them. The process will begin with the 'Pro Eligendo Pontifice' mass and the subsequent entry into the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will begin the secret ballots. A two-thirds majority will be required for the election of the new pope.

Undoubtedly, the whole world will be alertly awaiting the white smoke that will announce: Habemus Papam. For now, busy weeks and much uncertainty about the future of the church are looming. A church that, with Pope Francis, has learned to get a little closer to all its faithful.