Heartbroken News: Pope Francis’ passing triggers centuries-old Vatican rituals that honour his legacy and mark the end of an era. As the Roman Catholic Church mourns and prepares for a historic conclave, a new chapter in faith and leadership is set to begin….Read More 👇

Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. As the leader of the biggest branch of Christianity, the world’s largest religion, Pope Francis was a spiritual head to 1.4 billion people worldwide. He has guided the Catholic Church with a focus on humility, care, and reform since he became the pope in 2013.

His meetings and public appearances came after he battled ill health for weeks.

On March 24, Pope Francis suffered an attack of bronchospasm with vomit and inhalation, and a sudden worsening of his health, according to CBS. But signs of improvement followed.

Pope Francis also suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory failure” on March 3, according to the Vatican.

A day earlier, the Pope met two Vatican officials and offered thanks to well-wishers for their prayers and support. He was in hospital for over a fortnight, battling against double pneumonia. He was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation on February 14.

The death of Pope Francis will set in motion a series of sacred, time-honoured procedures in the Vatican, rooted in traditions that have been followed for decades. These procedures unfold in distinct stages, incorporating established methods and rituals.

INITIAL VERIFICATION AND PREPARATORY RITUALS
Shortly after the official announcement of the Pope’s demise, Vatican officials start the process of confirming his death.

This responsibility typically falls to the Vatican health department and the Camerlengo. The acting cameramano, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, aged 77, will be tasked with confirming the death and overseeing the initial arrangements.

Once confirmation is complete, it is customary for the Pope’s body to be moved to his private chapel.

There, the body will be dressed in a white cassock and laid in a zinc-lined wooden coffin, underscoring both reverence and continuity of ritual.

Vatican procedures indicate that his mitre and pallium will be respectfully set aside, while his body will be adorned in red vestments, in keeping with longstanding custom.

In a symbolic ritual marking the end of a papacy, the pope’s official signet, commonly known as the “Fisherman’s Ring,” will be ritually broken.