Revision of Funeral Rites
has revised the papal funeral rites to simplify the rituals, highlighting his role as a bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican, aligning with his wishes for humility.
The updated liturgical book, approved by Francis on April 29, replaces the previous edition from 2000, reflecting his commitment to modernizing church traditions.
Changes and Symbolism
The simplification includes eliminating the elevated bier for public viewing and the traditional three coffins of cyprus, lead, and oak, emphasizing the funeral as that of a "shepherd and disciple of Christ."
Francis has chosen to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in , reflecting his veneration for an icon of the located there, part of his broader lifestyle choices that emphasize simplicity.