In the wake of Pope Francis’ death at 88 on Monday, April 21, the Vatican has sealed both the papal apartments and Casa Santa Marta, where the late pope had resided.
New video footage from the Vatican showcases the sealing process, a customary ritual following the passing of a pope.
Unlike the fictional portrayal in the movie Conclave, where Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence managing a papal election, Pope Francis did not reside in the Apostolic Palace, also known as the papal apartments.
Instead, he opted for a more modest setting at Casa Santa Marta, a smaller, dormitory-like dwelling at the Vatican guest house. As is customary, both of these spaces have been sealed following his death.
The upcoming papal election, known as a conclave, is an ancient process that dates back to the 13th century.
The rituals surrounding the conclave, including the burning of colored smoke to signal the progress of the voting, are well-documented.
White smoke indicates that a new pope has been elected, while black smoke means the cardinals will continue their voting. A two-thirds majority of the College of Cardinals is required to elect a new pope.
Typically, the conclave begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, though it can take as long as necessary.
Notably, it took cardinals three years to elect Pope Gregory X in the 13th century, while Pope Francis was chosen after only one day of voting.
He made history as the first Latin American pope and was known for his progressive views on issues such as immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
In line with tradition, Pope Francis’ body will be displayed for public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, as reported by Politico.
His funeral is scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Square within four to six days after his death to accommodate the large crowds expected.
Unlike past popes, however, Francis will not be buried at the Vatican but at St. Mary Major, a major basilica in Rome.
On the evening of his passing, a rite took place at Casa Santa Marta to officially confirm Pope Francis’ death. The ceremony, which lasted just under an hour, included the placement of his body in a coffin and was conducted in the ground-floor chapel of the residence.
The declaration of his death was read aloud by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
Additionally, seals were placed on both the papal apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and the second-floor apartment of Casa Santa Marta, where the pope had lived.
The following morning, on Tuesday, the first General Congregation of Cardinals convened, during which the date for the funeral will be discussed.
