The death of Pope Francis has officially begun the sede vacante, the interregnum period during which the papal throne lies vacant. Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, appointed camerlengo by Francis in 2019, will oversee the transition, following protocols rooted in tradition and reformed by Francis himself.
According to a Vatican statement, Cardinal Farrell will preside over the certification of the Pope’s death and the placement of the body in a simple wooden casket on the evening of Monday, 21st April. Breaking with centuries-old custom, Pope Francis chose not to be buried in the traditional triple coffins of cypress, lead, and oak. His body is expected to be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning for public veneration, although Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni noted that final plans will be confirmed by Tuesday 22nd April. Per the Pope’s wishes, his body will remain inside the open casket rather than displayed on a raised platform.
The funeral Mass, Missa Poenitentialis, will be held within the customary nine-day mourning period, known as novemdiales, likely four to six days post mortem, and is expected to take place outdoors in St. Peter’s Square to accommodate mourners and global dignitaries. Notably, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Sta. Maria Maggiore in Rome, diverging from the traditional Vatican burial site.
During the sede vacante, Cardinal Farrell manages Church affairs without assuming papal authority, supported by three assisting cardinals. His duties include sealing the pope’s residence, organising the funeral in coordination with the College of Cardinals, and maintaining limited administrative functions.
Following the funeral, the College of Cardinals will convene the papal conclave in the Sistine Chapel. The secretive process, scheduled to begin 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s death, requires a two-thirds majority to elect the next Bishop of Rome.
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