Pope Francis’ Funeral: A Simple yet Dignified Farewell
According to a report from CNN, Pope Francis, the first Argentine pontiff, has taken steps to simplify the rites around his death, making them more "down to earth." This move is in line with his papal name, chosen after Francis of Assisi, the Italian saint who renounced his family wealth and championed the poor.
The Vatican has confirmed that the funeral will follow the rites laid out in the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis," a liturgical book detailing the procedures following the death of a pope, published in 2000 and revised by Francis last year. Some of these revisions have already been on display, with Francis’ body being placed immediately inside his coffin, which has been left open to allow people to pay their respects. As Diego Ravelli, master of apostolic ceremonies, noted, Francis had sought to "simplify and adapt" the rituals, so that the papal funeral is "that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, and not of a powerful person in this world."
CNN’s Vatican analyst, Elise Allen, described Francis as the "pope of simplicity." In an interview, she said, "He lived that way in Buenos Aires, and he tried to bring that into the papacy and the way that he lived as pope because that’s something he wanted for the church itself – to be more simple, to be more in contact with reality, with the lives of people around." This approach is reflected in Francis’ will, where he gave simple instructions for his burial: "The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus."
The funeral arrangements have been made in accordance with Francis’ wishes. Rather than the splendor of the Vatican, he will be buried in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This will make him the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican in more than a century. The basilica, located in the heart of Rome, is one of the four major basilicas in the city and is steeped in history and significance.
As people line up to pay their respects to Pope Francis lying in state, inside St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, it is clear that his legacy will be remembered for its simplicity and humility. The Pope’s commitment to living a simple life, unencumbered by the trappings of wealth and power, has left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church. As CNN reports, Francis’ funeral will be a reflection of his values, a celebration of his life and legacy, and a testament to his enduring influence.
The revised liturgical book, which outlines the procedures for the funeral, is a reflection of Francis’ efforts to modernize and simplify the rituals surrounding the death of a pope. By opting for a more straightforward and humble approach, Francis has set a new precedent for future papal funerals. As the world comes together to bid farewell to this remarkable leader, his funeral will serve as a poignant reminder of his tireless commitment to serving others and living a life of simplicity and compassion.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be a significant event, not only for the Catholic Church but also for the world at large. As CNN continues to provide live updates and coverage of the funeral, it is clear that the Pope’s legacy will endure for generations to come. With his passing, the world has lost a remarkable leader, but his impact will be felt for years to come. The simplicity and humility that defined his life will continue to inspire countless people around the world, and his funeral will serve as a fitting tribute to his remarkable life and legacy.
