Pope Francis Advocated for Streamlined Funeral Services

Synopsis

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, requested simplified funeral rites focused on the Church's faith in the Risen Body of Christ. He emphasized that his funeral should reflect his role as a faithful disciple rather than a worldly leader.

Key Takeaways

Pope Francis requested simplified funeral rites.
Focus on the faith in the Risen Body of Christ.
Funeral rites to highlight his role as a disciple.
New procedures for handling the Pope's remains.
His life was dedicated to serving the Church and the marginalized.

Vatican City, April 21 (NationPress) Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, had expressed a desire for his funeral services to be simplified and centered on showcasing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ, according to Vatican News, the official news outlet of the Holy See.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, disclosed that “the renewed rite” aims to highlight that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a shepherd and follower of Christ, rather than a figure of worldly power.

The late Pope Francis had sanctioned a revised version of the liturgical book for papal funerals, which will oversee the upcoming funeral Mass set for April 2024, as reported by the portal.

The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new features, including specific procedures for handling the Pope's remains after his passing.

The report noted that “the ascertainment of death occurs in the chapel, rather than in the room where he passed away, with his body being placed directly into the coffin.

At 9:45 AM on Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced Pope Francis' death from the Casa Santa Marta.

He stated, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

The head of the Roman Catholic Church had been battling respiratory issues and pneumonia.

Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14 after experiencing bronchitis for several days, and four days later, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

After spending 38 days in the hospital, he returned to his Vatican residence to continue his recovery.

As reported by Vatican News, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, underwent surgery in Argentina in 1957 at a young age to remove part of his lung affected by a severe respiratory infection.

As he grew older, Pope Francis frequently dealt with respiratory ailments, even having to cancel a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.