The Pope of the Vatican has passed away, but what happens after this difficult moment for the Catholic Church and believers around the world?
The funeral of a pope has always been meticulously organized. Previous popes have been buried in coffins made of lead or oak, while it is reported that the late Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. Before his passing, he requested that his body not be placed on the elevated platform known as the catafalque in St. Peter’s Basilica.
As reported by foreign media, Pope Francis is the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome.
His successor will be elected at least 15 days later.