After Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, the Catholic Church entered the "Sede Vacante" or "d downward- squaring" period. This is the time after the popes passed away and their successors were not elected.
During this time, a series of traditions are stated in the guiding document "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontifici" (roughlating: Funeral Rites for the Roman popes) in effect, including instructions on death certificates, burial rituals, burial procedures and the election of new popes.
Pope Francis died at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican. First, Pope Francis's body was taken to the chapel in the building. After that, a number of other rituals took place to determine the end of the pope's church's leading period, including: sealing the residence as well as destroying the pope's ring and seal.
Pope Francis is the only cardinal living in Casa Santa Marta - a guesthouse used to welcome doctors during the new papal election.
On the morning of April 23, the remains of Pope Francis were transported through Santa Martina Square and protomartiri Romani Square. From there, the convoy marched into St. Petro Square, then the Imperial Palace of St. Petro Cathedral, where the papal remains were oted for 3 days.
During this time, the body of Pope Francis was placed in a wooden coffin. This is another change from the tradition of placing the remains of the popes on a high podium.
According to Vatican News, during the 3 days of papal respect at St. Petro's Cathedral Imperial Palace, about 250,000 people came to express their respect.
The will of Pope Francis was sealed at 8:00 p.m. on April 25, local time, during a ceremony chaired by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
At 10:00 a.m. on April 26, local time (about 3:00 p.m. the same day, Vietnam time), the funeral of Pope Francis took place at St. Peter's Square. The ceremony also marks the first day of the 9-day mourning period known as Novendiali.
After the funeral, the coffin was returned to the St. Petro Cathedral Imperial City, then moved to the burial site at the Saint Mary Major Cathedral Imperial City.
The convoy will move slowly, passing through Galleria Passa, crossing the bridge, then passing through sites such as the Roman arena before returning to the royal see of the church. Pope Francis will be buried in a wooden coffin.
After the burial of Cardinal Francis, the process of electing a new pope, the Rosary, is expected to begin 15 to 20 days after the pope passed away, from June 6 to May 11.
