The Pope's Farewell: A World Says Goodbye
Final Request of Pope Francis: As He Stated
Pope Francis, the revered figure of the Roman Catholic Church, has taken his final bow. Just hours before his demise, he bestowed his crucial blessing "Urbi et orbi" and had his highly political Easter address read aloud. In his last message, reminding the world of conflicts and wars, he urged for dialogue and peace.
- Cardinal Schönborn disappointed but respectful: "He was truly one-of-a-kind, an extraordinary individual."
- A Twist of Tradition : Francis astonished us with a unique public appearance just before his passing - adorned in a white-green striped poncho, he briefly entered St. Peter's Basilica for an impromptu prayer session, surprising viewers and blessing children - much like his final public appearance on Easter Sunday.
His final wish was to undo some ceremonial pomp and simplify certain rites. He also expressed his desire to be buried outside the Vatican's walls.
A New Chapter Awaits
As we move forward after the Pope's passing, Italian Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will lead the Rosary prayer, the Vatican announced on Monday. Thousands of devoted believers are expected to attend. It may be as early as Wednesday when Francis' body is placed in St. Peter's Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects. The deciding cardinals will make their decision on the matter on Tuesday.
A Lifetime of Service
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and the Church. He taught us to live the Gospel's values with loyalty, courage, and boundless love, especially for the poor and marginalized. With immense gratitude for his inspiring disciple example of Jesus Christ, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the eternal love of the triune God," said Cardinal Farrell about the deceased head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- Death Certification: The Camerlengo, a cardinal responsible for managing the Vatican during the interregnum, officially certifies the pope's death and notifies the Church and the world.
- Fisherman’s Ring Destruction: The Fisherman's Ring, a significant symbol of the pope's authority, is ceremoniously destroyed after the pope's death.
- Suspension of Scheduled Events: Any scheduled public events are suspended during the mourning period, and the Sistine Chapel is closed to the public.
- Conclave Preparations: Cardinals convene in a series of closed-door gatherings to discuss and organize funeral logistics and the preparations for the conclave.
- Novendiales: A nine-day period of mourning, called the novendiales, is observed with specific prayers and rituals.
- Papal Conclave: The conclave is a highly formalized and spiritual gathering where cardinals aged under 80 elect a new pope by a two-thirds majority vote under strict oaths of secrecy.
- Security and Isolation: The Sistine Chapel and associated areas are thoroughly inspected to ensure privacy and security during conclave activities.
- In the aftermath of Pope Francis' passing, the Camerlengo, a designated cardinal, will officially certify his death and notify the Church and the world, commencing the process of death certification.
- During the mourning period, the Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public and scheduled events suspended, allowing cardinals to convene for closed-door gatherings to prepare both the funeral logistics and the proceedings for the Papal Conclave, where they will elect a new pope through a strict two-thirds majority vote.
