Pope Francis Breaks 100-Year Tradition: To Be Buried Outside Vatican in Single Coffin

Vatican on Monday announced the demise of history’s first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis, after a prolonged illness in Rome at the age of 88.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced on Easter Monday at 9:45 am.

Post announcement, the Pope's private apartment gets sealed and preparation for the funeral starts. Dates for he funeral and burial decides by the cardinal and the mourning rites last nine days. Pope's funeral usually takes place after four to six days of death  St. Peter's Square. However, this time there is likely to be a change and Pope Francis could be the first pope in over a century who will be laid to rest outside the Vatican.

Pope's Burial Decision

The Pontiff stated during an interview with a Mexican broadcaster last year he would like to be buried in Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, according to the New York Times. Pope Francis had a deep personal bond with Santa Maria Maggiore, visiting the basilica the day after his election and regularly stopping there before and after international trips to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani—the Protector of the People of Rome.

He also revised and simplified funeral rites last year including eliminating the requirement that the pope be placed on an elevated bier in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. He had also chosen a single zinc-lined wooden coffin for himself over the traditional three coffins of cyprus, lead and oak. 

After 15-20 days of death, the conclave to elect a new pope will start in the Vatican Sistine Chapel. The cardinals under the age of 80 can take part in the secret ballot.