Pope Francis simplifies funeral rites after passing
- Pope Francis died at age 88 after battling health issues, including pneumonia.
- The funeral will reflect both traditional rites and the simplified procedures he established.
- The changes in rites emphasize a more humble portrayal of the papacy.
In April 2025, the Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s history. After battling health issues for years, including a pneumonia condition, Francis passed away, leading to a funeral that combined tradition with simplifications he himself had instituted. The funeral service was planned for Saturday, with the body to be displayed in St. Peter’s Square, a venue with historical significance for papal ceremonies. Public attendance was expected to be high, reminiscent of previous papal funerals. The funeral rites saw a major reform that Francis initiated in 2023, which included significant changes to how his body would be presented, his burial location, and the manner in which his death would be officially processed. Unlike predecessors who were traditionally displayed on a raised bier, Francis would be laid directly in an open coffin. This modification emphasized his intention to portray the pope as a