Pope Francis died this morning, the Vatican has announced, meaning procedures have now been put in place to ensure that the Catholic Church is led before his successor is chosen. Immediately after a pontiff's death, officials certify that he is deceased by calling out his name three times. The Pope's apartment doors are then sealed with red ribbons, and his desk is locked. Moreover, his papal ring will be broken with shears.
This is all overseen by His Holiness' chief of staff, known as the Camerlengo. Pope Francis' Camerlengo is Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who announced the passing of the head of the Catholic Church this morning. He and the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will now temporarily assume command of the Church. Later, once the Conclave to elect the next pope begins, the electoral college will make any crucial decisions.
The post-death governance procedure is comprised of a code of canon law, "Praedicate Evangelium"; the apostolic constitution, "Universi Dominici Gregis", and the apostolic constitution, "In Ecclesiarum Communione".
An official period of mourning of nine days is to begin at the Vatican, and the Pope's funeral will be held in St Peter’s Square, which must take place between four and six days after his death.
After the ceremony, Francis' coffin will be carried through the “door of death” on the left side of the main altar in the basilica as a single bell is tolled before he lies in state.
The Argentine has however dispensed with the placing of his body on a raised platform, referred to as a Catafalque.
Mourners will instead be able to pay their respects while his the pontiff's body is inside the coffin, the lid of which will be removed.
Previous pontiffs were traditionally buried in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead and oak.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have expressed their “most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy” following the death of Pope Francis, who they met during their recent visit to Italy and the Vatican.
