Vatican City, April 21, 2025: When a pope passes away, a series of solemn and traditional rites are initiated, starting with the Camerlengo officially confirming the death and securing the papal apartments. The College of Cardinals is then called to the Vatican to oversee funeral preparations and organize the conclave to elect the next pope.
The pope’s body lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing public mourning before the funeral, which typically occurs within a week. He is buried in a cypress coffin enclosed in zinc and wood, then interred in the Vatican Grottoes. These rituals reflect the deep-rooted customs of the Catholic Church and its emphasis on spiritual continuity.
