Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
For over a billion Catholics worldwide, this week marks a period of mourning following the passing of their church’s pontiff. The death of Pope Francis on Monday concludes a notably progressive tenure. The Vatican will broadcast the papal funeral live on its YouTube channel this Saturday.
Funeral Arrangements for Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 26 at 10 a.m. local time. Afterward, he will be interred at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. While most popes are entombed in St. Peter’s Basilica or its grottoes, reports indicate Francis selected St. Mary Major Basilica to honor his devotion to the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome), an icon of the Virgin Mary housed there.
In line with his wishes, the ceremony will be more modest than those of his predecessors. Francis had previously streamlined the funeral rites, permitting burial outside the Vatican and emphasizing his role as the Bishop of Rome.
Historically, deceased popes were placed in three coffins: cypress, lead, and oak. Francis, however, requested a single wooden, zinc-lined coffin and specified that he not be placed on an elevated bier, departing from tradition.
Viewing Times in the United States
Here’s when the pope’s funeral will air in your time zone around the continental US:
- ET: April 26 at 4 a.m.
- CT: April 26 at 3 a.m.
- MT: April 26 at 2 a.m.
- PT: April 26 at 1 a.m.
Currently, Francis’ body is resting at a guesthouse in Vatican City. On Wednesday, his coffin will be moved in a procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state, allowing mourners to pay their respects until the funeral.
Pope Francis’ papacy was distinguished by his efforts to reform the Roman Catholic Church. He appointed a significant portion of the current College of Cardinals and sought to encourage more accepting views toward the LGBT community and global migrants.
Conclave: The Process of Electing a New Pope
Following the Pope Francis funeral, the College of Cardinals will commence the process of electing his successor.
Before the conclave begins, the cardinals must address various procedural matters. Once underway, the election can span several days or even weeks. A two-thirds majority vote is necessary to elect the new pope. The conclave is held in secrecy, and the vote count remains confidential.
Signaling the Election Result
After each ballot, the votes are burned. Chemicals are added to the flames to produce black smoke if no majority is reached, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. Large crowds typically gather in St. Peter’s Square, watching for these signals.
“Conclave”: A Dramatic Representation
Those intrigued by the papal election process may find interest in the 2024 film “Conclave,” which presents a dramatized account of these events.
Starring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the film depicts the efforts to elect the next pope amidst investigations into potential candidates. Based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, “Conclave” is a work of fiction.
Where to Watch “Conclave”
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV (rental for $6)
- Fandango at Home (rental for $6)
- YouTube (rental for $6)
- Google Play Movies (rental for $6)