Pope Francis Revamps Funeral Rites to Reflect Humility and Simplify Traditions
Pope Francis has updated the funeral rites for when he dies. The new guidelines aim to highlight his role as a bishop rather than as a powerful figure. The Vatican’s newspaper published the details of these changes, which were approved on April 29. This updated liturgical book replaces the previous one from 2000.
Pope Francis will turn 88 in December. He continues to participate actively in public events, such as a recent general audience where children engaged enthusiastically with him. The changes to the funeral rites come after the death of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI on December 31, 2022, which prompted a need to clarify the process for a retired pope’s burial.
Monsignor Diego Ravelli assisted Francis in simplifying the funeral rites. The new rules remove the requirement for the pope to be displayed on an elevated bier in St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he will be laid to rest in a simple coffin without the traditional three coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak.
Interview with Monsignor Diego Ravelli on the Updated Funeral Rites of Pope Francis
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Monsignor Ravelli. The recent updates to the funeral rites of Pope Francis have garnered significant attention. Could you explain the motivation behind these changes?
Monsignor Ravelli: Thank you for having me. The primary motivation was to align the funeral rites with the humble and pastoral character that Pope Francis embodies. His intention is to emphasize his role not as a powerful leader, but as a bishop and a shepherd of the faithful. This reflects his philosophy of service and simplicity.
Interviewer: How do these new guidelines differ from the previous rites established in 2000?
Monsignor Ravelli: The most notable change is the decision to forego the traditional elevated bier. Instead of being displayed in a grand manner, the Holy Father will be laid in a simple coffin, which we believe communicates a more authentic representation of his humility. The prior requirement for a triple coffin made of cypress, lead, and oak has also been eliminated. This new approach aims to lessen the emphasis on display and more on a personal farewell.
Interviewer: In what ways do you think these changes reflect Pope Francis’s broader agenda since he took office?
Monsignor Ravelli: Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has consistently aimed to strip away excesses often associated with the papacy. He has diminished ceremonial grandeur, opting for a more accessible and down-to-earth style of leadership. By simplifying the funeral rites, we are merely echoing his ongoing commitment to depict the papacy as a servant role grounded in faith and community rather than opulence.
Interviewer: The burial place has also been a topic of interest. Why has Pope Francis chosen the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and what significance does it hold for him?
Monsignor Ravelli: Santa Maria Maggiore holds deep significance for Pope Francis due to his strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. He often prays before the icon of Mary and the infant Jesus located there. This choice of burial site not only reflects his personal faith but also symbolizes his desire to remain close to the heart of the Church and its faithful. When he said, “The place is already prepared,” it indicates a profound connection to that space.
Interviewer: Following the passing of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, what lessons were learned that influenced these updates?
Monsignor Ravelli: The death of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI offered us an opportunity to rethink the procedures in place and to make modifications that create clarity and more fitting traditions for the future. Observing the rituals surrounding his passing showed us the importance of presenting a funeral that respects the person’s journey of faith rather than just their title or former power.
Interviewer: Thank you, Monsignor Ravelli, for sharing these insights with us. Your reflections provide an important context for understanding these significant changes in the funeral rites.
Monsignor Ravelli: It was my pleasure. Thank you for bringing attention to this vital aspect of our faith and how we express it through our rituals.
These revisions aim to portray the pope’s funeral as one of a shepherd and disciple of Christ, not as a display of worldly power. Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has minimized ceremonial aspects often tied to the papacy. He lives in a Vatican hotel instead of the Apostolic Palace and favors using small cars over luxury vehicles.
Pope Francis wishes to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, reflecting his deep devotion to an icon of the Virgin Mary located there. He regularly prays before this painting, which shows Mary and the infant Jesus. Francis has expressed his connection to this site, saying, “The place is already prepared.”