Understanding a Papal Funeral: An Instructional Reflection for Catholics and the Curious

The death of a pope is unlike any other moment in the life of the Catholic Church. It is a time of sorrow, reflection, and sacred ritual that speaks to the Church’s long memory and deep faith. But for many, even among the faithful, the symbolism and structure of a papal funeral can seem mysterious. The images—black hoods, an upside-down cross, the crowing of a rooster—can stir confusion, speculation, or even misunderstanding, especially among former Catholics or Protestants unfamiliar with Catholic liturgy and tradition. This narrative seeks to walk patiently through what happens when a pope dies, why these rituals exist, and how all of us, regardless of how we felt about the pope in life, are called to respond in charity and in hope.

When a pope dies, the Church immediately enters into a unique phase known as sede vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.” The first sign that the pope has passed is a private ritual in which the Camerlengo, the Cardinal Chamberlain, confirms the pope’s death. Historically, this included calling his baptismal name three times. After the verification, the Fisherman’s Ring, the papal signet used to seal official documents, is ceremonially broken. This symbolizes the end of his papal authority. His apartment is sealed, and the Church begins preparations for one of the most solemn events in Catholic life—the funeral of the Bishop of Rome.

As the body of the deceased pope is placed for public viewing, often in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Swiss Guards and ceremonial attendants don black hoods as a sign of mourning. Their presence speaks to the pope’s dual role as a spiritual leader and a head of state. One might notice a cross that appears upside down on or near the coffin. Contrary to popular myths or sensational claims, this is not a symbol of evil or desecration. It is the Cross of St. Peter, who, according to tradition, was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. This powerful image affirms the pope’s role as a successor to Peter and a servant leader who, like Peter, bears witness in humility.

A less understood but equally rich symbol is the rooster, which may be seen in various papal heraldry or banners. The rooster is a reference to Peter’s denial of Jesus and his eventual repentance and restoration. It is a symbol of vigilance, calling the faithful to stay awake and alert, even in mourning. The rooster crows not only to mark Peter’s failure but to announce the coming of redemption and the dawn of resurrection.

It’s important to address a common confusion: the upside-down cross used by Satanists is not the same in meaning or intent as the Cross of St. Peter used in Catholic tradition. In Satanism and certain anti-Christian movements, the inverted cross is deliberately used as a symbol of rebellion or mockery toward Christianity. It is intended to invert and profane what Christians hold sacred. However, in Catholicism, the upside-down cross predates these distortions and is a venerable symbol tied to the martyrdom of St. Peter, who, out of humility, asked to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die as Christ did. To conflate the two is to misunderstand both the timeline and the theology. Symbols can be hijacked, but their true meaning remains with the faith that first gave them life.

The funeral itself unfolds over several stages. For nine days following the pope’s death, the Church celebrates daily Masses in a tradition known as the Novemdiales. These are days of official mourning, prayer, and intercession for the soul of the departed pope. His body lies in state so that the faithful may offer their final respects. Then comes the funeral Mass, traditionally celebrated in St. Peter’s Square before thousands of mourners and millions watching across the world. Importantly, the Mass is not celebrated by another pope—because there isn’t one. Instead, the Dean of the College of Cardinals presides, not as a figure of ultimate authority, but as a brother among brothers, guiding the Church through grief toward hope.

The choice of the Dean to lead the funeral is a matter of Church protocol. As outlined in the Order for the Funeral Rites of a Roman Pontiff and other Vatican norms, the Dean holds certain responsibilities during a papal vacancy, including announcing the conclave and overseeing liturgies of transition. His role is not to replace the pope but to serve the Church in continuity until a new shepherd is elected.

Pope Francis made significant changes to the traditional papal funeral rites, reflecting his commitment to humility and simplicity. Historically, popes were interred in three nested coffins: an inner cypress coffin symbolizing humility, a middle lead coffin for preservation, and an outer oak or elm coffin denoting dignity and strength. This practice underscored the pope's dual role as a spiritual leader and a figure of worldly authority.

In 2024, Pope Francis approved revisions to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book detailing papal funeral rites. These changes eliminated the use of the triple coffin, opting instead for a single wooden coffin lined with zinc. This modification aimed to emphasize the pope's role as a humble pastor rather than a worldly dignitary. Monsignor Diego Ravelli, the Vatican’s master of liturgical ceremonies, explained that the reforms were intended "to emphasize even more that the Roman Pontiff’s funeral is that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world.”

Additionally, Pope Francis chose to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, diverging from the tradition of burial within St. Peter's Basilica. This decision reflected his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and further underscored his desire for a modest and pastoral image in death. The revised funeral rites also included other simplifications, such as eliminating the use of an elevated bier for public viewing, with the pope's body placed directly in the coffin facing the pews, accompanied by the Paschal candle.

These changes collectively highlight Pope Francis's consistent emphasis on humility and his vision of the papacy as a service-oriented role, aligning with his broader efforts to present the Church as a community rooted in simplicity and compassion.

During this period, the Mass continues, but with some noticeable changes. The Eucharistic Prayer no longer includes the name of the pope because the Chair of Peter is empty. The faithful might notice this small but significant omission. It is a quiet yet powerful sign that the Church, while grieving, remains the Church—anchored by Christ, not by one man. No major decisions are made, no bishops appointed, no encyclicals issued. The College of Cardinals assumes the daily governance of the Church, but their authority is strictly limited. Their main task is to prepare for the conclave.

The conclave, as defined in Pope John Paul II’s Universi Dominici Gregis, must begin no sooner than fifteen and no later than twenty days after the death of the pope. This time allows for the funeral rites and for cardinals to travel from around the world. Only those under the age of eighty may vote, and the gathering takes place in the Sistine Chapel behind closed doors. The world watches for white smoke and waits for the words, Habemus Papam—“We have a pope.”

In times like this, especially with the passing of a figure like Pope Francis, the Church often hears commentary from outside. Former Catholics and Protestant critics may speak of pagan rituals or unnecessary formalities. These criticisms, while common, often come from a place of unfamiliarity. Most Catholics alive today have never witnessed more than one papal funeral in their lifetime, if that. How much less could a non-Catholic reasonably understand the gravity of these rites? For myself, I've been blessed to have the following popes in my lifetime: Paul VI; John Paul I; John Paul II; Benedict XVI; and Francis. Of these, at the age of 55 I only remember the JPII, Benedict and now Francis. 

It’s important to remember that liturgy is not a performance—it is prayer. The elaborate beauty of a papal funeral is not excess for its own sake; it is the Church doing what she has always done: honoring her dead, lifting them up in prayer, and affirming our hope in the resurrection. To accuse the Church of paganism because of symbols she has sanctified over centuries is not only historically inaccurate—it is spiritually uncharitable. Rather than cast judgment on a soul who has passed, the Christian response—Catholic, Protestant, or otherwise—should be to pray: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Even if one struggled with the papacy of Francis, or any pope, now is the time for mercy. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, the salvation of souls belongs to God alone, who desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. The funeral of a pope is not a celebration of power, but a humble return of a servant to the Master. The signs, the stages, the silence—they all point not to the glory of the man, but to the glory of God.

Let us not forget the simple truth at the heart of every papal funeral: We have loved him in life. Let us not forget him in death.

God Bless