RIP Pope Francis

The Satellite
1

Died the morning after his last Easter.

3 Likes
2

His humility was a revolutionary leadership that challenged 2,000 years of Church hierarchy. May he RIP, as a catholic he was the best pope in my lifetime.

2 Likes
3

Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were the best Popes in my lifetime.

2 Likes
4

May he rest in peace.

5

So ironic to die on Easter resurrection Sunday?

6

Best pope in my lifetime.

1 Like
7

https://x.com/mtgreenee/status/1914329322376356347

8

We are probably moving into prohibited political territory here, but all I have to say after seeing that tweet is……BEYOTCH!!!

:rage:

1 Like
9

For those wondering, some of the ceremonial stuff that has been happening today:

  • When His Holiness passed this morning, the Camerlengo (head of the papal household), in the presence of at least a couple of others, called out Pope Francis’ baptismal name three times. Receiving no reply, the Camerlengo would authorize the issuance of a death certificate. (Until the death of S. Pope John Paul II, the Camerlengo would also gently tap the deceased pontiff on the head with a small silver hammer.)
  • Bells were tolled in St. Peter’s to publicly announce his death. Of course, most people learned about it through media, but this is the traditional way that Romans would learn the pope had died.
  • The camerlengo sealed off the papal apartments (and presumably Pope Francis’ residence at the House of St. Martha) with red tape. This originally happened because looting by the household staff and the public was common – especially for highly-venerated popes who might some day become a saint, as people were looking to secure relics – but now it is more to preserve the pope’s privacy and personal correspondence.
  • The Pope’s fisherman’s ring has probably already been defaced. They used to smash it with a hammer, but now they are instructed just to score it up with a file. This was often done very, very quickly after the pope’s death in order to prevent fraudulent use of it when sealing papers. Since the ring is more symbolic now, there is not as much urgency – Pope John Paul II, for example, had his ring destroyed at the end of the nine day mourning period and before the start of the conclave.
  • Pope Francis’ body will be prepared and placed in a coffin. Traditionally, popes have been placed in three coffins made of cypress, lead, and elm. Two of the coffins would have contained specific documents about the pope’s pontificate, and the first coffin would have held gold, silver, and copper coins to mark the length of his reign. In Pope Francis’ case, he wanted to be interred in a simple wood casket. The documents and coins will also be placed in that coffin with him. Additionally, His Holiness eschewed the use of the raised platform to elevate his coffin, so it will be at regular level like you see for other funerals.
  • The funeral Mass later this week (probably Friday or Saturday, I would guess) is traditionally celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals. However, Cardinal Re is 91 years old and in not great health, so this may be delegated to additional cardinals/bishops/priests

EDIT: I forgot something important…

Upon Pope Francis’ death, all of the cardinals who had positions within the Curia vacate their offices. The exceptions are the camerlengo, the major penitentiary (who oversees absolution of laeae sententiae excommunications reserved to the Holy See), the papal almoner (who does charity work on behalf of the pope), the cardinal vicars of Rome and Vatican City (the bishops who run those dioceses on behalf of the pope), and the dean of the college of cardinals (who has some duties related to the funeral and conclave).

Although the heads of the various departments in the Curia resign, the departments themselves continue to function for routine matters. But no matters of policy or important decisions will be made until the new pope makes his appointments.

4 Likes
10

JP2 because he was Pope for a big part of my formative years.

11

The best GA has to offer.

I apologize America.

12

Not a fan, but RIP. Hoping for a better leader of the church next time.

2 Likes
13

He definitely steered the church to be more Christ like.

Tending to the poor, comforting the oppressed. Open arms to people regarded by many as sinners.

I can see why some didn’t like him. It causes some people to confront their own bias’ and prejudices.

Many don’t like to do that.

He wasn’t perfect, but he was the most compassionate pope we’ve had in decades if not centuries.

6 Likes
14

Thank you for sharing this, well done.