The Death and Funeral of Pope Francis


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A lovely service for a very human Pope.

Whilst it always seems trivial at such times there were a few quirks to me.

The seating arrangement - well I guess none of us can say it was wrong or a mistake as I doubt they'd get everyone in the wrong seats. Clearly for whatever reasons they chose to do it differently from the funeral of Pope John Paul II where Sovereigns were places front and centre. However Francis was a Pope who disliked pomp and so I can well imagine why they'd be going for "all Heads of State in X order, all Heads of Government etc etc" All I do hope is that no one was kicking off and causing a fuss about their seat ahead of time.
I have no problem with treating monarchs and presidents as equal heads of state and seating them in alphabetical order. In fact, it is probably the most egalitarian way to do it.

However, the Vatican itself had released a list of precedence the day before placing the monarchs ahead of the heads of state of the republics, except for the delegations from Argentina and Italy. Cardinal Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and highest ranking Catholic cleric in England and Wales. was interviewed yesterday by Sky News, I think, and when asked about the seating plan said that it would be the royals first, then the heads of state, an so on. Of course, Cardinal Nichols is not in charge of the Vatican protocol, but the fact that he gave that answer to Sky suggests to me that the cardinals themselves were probably told that this would be the seating plan.

The fact that the seating plan was changed at the last minute is, therefore, somewhat puzzling. As I said, either there was a mistake or miscommunication to the people in charge on the ground, or there was some unknown issue that prompted the change.

If the Vatican wants to abolish the preferential treatment for monarchs, fine, go ahead and do it. But they should not announce a priori that the monarchs would be seated first and then change the seating plan.

Again, that doesn't take away from the splendor of the funeral mass, which was otherwise impeccable in my humble opinion, even when interrupted by the spontaneous applause of the general public.
 
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There is no disrespecting or defying protocol for someone to wear a navy suit at a funeral . I have just had a quick browse through various reputable sources and nowhere does it suggest that only black should be worn. Interestingly, I discovered that at Diana’s funeral, Charles wore a navy suit.
 
It was a beautiful service, I've liked the homily by Cardinal Re, and I'm sure Pope Francis has liked it as well.
His final journey from the Vatican to Santa Maria Maggiore, through some landmarks of the most beautiful city in the world (in my opinion, of course) was extremely emotional to watch, and it made his funeral really unique.

Pope Francis was later buried in a simple tomb, bearing only the inscription “Franciscus” and a reproduction of the late Pope’s pectoral cross.The tomb is located near the Altar of St Francis, in a niche of the side aisle of Santa Maria Maggiore, between the Pauline Chapel (Salus Populi Romani Chapel) and the Sforza Chapel. It will be possible to visit it from tomorrow.
The tomb is made of marble coming from the Italian region of Liguria, where the late Pope's maternal family is originally from (his paternal family is originally from Piedmont, and there are still some of his cousins living in the little village of Portacomaro, near Asti, very close from where my family is also from).
 
There is no disrespecting or defying protocol for someone to wear a navy suit at a funeral . I have just had a quick browse through various reputable sources and nowhere does it suggest that only black should be worn. Interestingly, I discovered that at Diana’s funeral, Charles wore a navy suit.
As I recall, he wore that suit because it was one that Diana liked to see him wear.
 
There was even one of the Patriarch’s who had his phone out and clearly filmed or took pictures when the coffin was carried past them 😣

They are no better than us 😅
That is despicable.

I believe the phone reveal people's true character, because people tend to shut off the brain while using them. So the way and when people use their phones, reveals their personality.
And in that way, one can say that the mobile serve a purpose.
 
That is despicable.

I believe the phone reveal people's true character, because people tend to shut off the brain while using them. So the way and when people use their phones, reveals their personality.
And in that way, one can say that the mobile serve a purpose.
Indeed… Sadly i don’t think there is any way back now…

As the saying goes, ”children don’t do as they are told - they do what the parents do themselves”
 
From what I have read, the dress code for men was a dark suit and a black tie.
That is correct:
Il Messaggero, a prominent Italian national newspaper based in Rome, reported that the attire and order for Pope Francis' funeral, according to Vatican protocols, should be as follows:

"For men, dark suit with a long black tie and a button of the same color on the left lapel of the jacket, where only Vatican honors can be placed. For women, a black dress, preferably long, of the same color as gloves and veil on the head, with the only allowed ornament being a string of pearls.
 
Video of part of the homily from today. Pertinent words.


"'Build bridges, not walls' was an exhortation he repeated many times,” Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said during the homily for the late pope. “His gestures and exhortations in favor of refugees and displaced persons are countless. His insistence on working on behalf of the poor was constant.”

At St. Mary Major Basilica, his casket was met, according to his wishes, by dozens of Rome’s impoverished and needy, including prisoners, migrants, homeless and transgender people.


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Pope Francis was an incredible man that lived his life with humility always teaching about learning lessons from the past, had a pulse for the present world we live in and most importantly with a view of what we did now would determine the future for all people and the world. Hopefully, the next Pope will continue Pope Francis's work and teachings. RIP Your Holiness.

Keeping this thread on topic.....Amazing scenes from Pope Francis's funeral



In the evening at the Basilica of Saint Mary, there was a Rosary Prayer

News report from NBC summarizing the events if the day
 
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Francis had emphasized his wish for a simple, bare bones funeral. But the funeral I watched this morning was very grand and beautiful and ceremonial. There was little about it that was bare.

I don't really believe a Roman pontiff can have a ",simple" funeral. The very surroundings inspire both awe and reverence. Heads of State from every corner of the globe in one of Europe's most beautiful and ancient cities. The Catholic funeral and burial rite itself is rich with symbolism, like incense and holy water.

I was touched but not surprised to read that Francis's burial costs will not be absorbed by the Church, and that he arranged for a private benefactor to pay.

It's so strange to recall that a week ago today he was believed to slowly recovering though frail, had just spent Holy Thursday with prisoners, and was looking forward to visiting St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

But less than a week later he is dead and laid to rest.

RIP Holiness.



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At the funeral,of the pope it looked like [Queen Mary] had two ladies in waiting with her. They must have been seated elsewhere?
 
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At the funeral,of the pope it looked like [Queen Mary] had two ladies in waiting with her. They must have been seated elsewhere?
AFAIK Queen Mary has only 1 lady in waiting. But according to this BB article Dk was also represented by the Danish ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the Vatican, Susanne Shine. Queen Mary was not alone
 
Pope Francis' tomb in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Video:

King Simeon visited the Apostolic Nunciature to express his condolences on the death of Pope Francis.
 
For some reason I thought the late Pope reportedly wanted to " go back to the ground" and wished to be buried in a cemetery.

The above statement said the casket at the basilica was met by "prisoners" amongst other marginalized members of society. How is that logically possible? Aren't prisoners locked away in a prison?
 
The above statement said the casket at the basilica was met by "prisoners" amongst other marginalized members of society. How is that logically possible? Aren't prisoners locked away in a prison?
According to what I've heard from the Italian media, they were prisoners on a day release, which is quite fitting, considering that the late Pope's last public appearence outside the Vatican was to Rome's prison Regina Coeli, on Holy Thursday.
 
Non-reigning royals at Pope's funeral
1. Pedro of Bourbon Two Sicilies, his wife Sofia, and his 6 (out of 7) children.
2. Aimone of Savoy-Aosta, and his wife Olga (born as Princess of Greece).
3. Carlos Javier of Bourbon Parma.
4. Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies
5. Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy
6. Ferdinand of Austria (Habsburg).

Photos 👇




 
For some reason I thought the late Pope reportedly wanted to " go back to the ground" and wished to be buried in a cemetery.

The above statement said the casket at the basilica was met by "prisoners" amongst other marginalized members of society. How is that logically possible? Aren't prisoners locked away in a prison?
As i interpreted it, he said ”in earth” and meant in earthly level and not in a sarcophagus above the floor… Benedict XVI had the same request…

I suppose the prisoners present outside Santa Maria Maggiore yesterday was not ”high risk prisoners” and was thus allowed supervised permission time to take part…
 
Non-reigning royals at Pope's funeral
1. Pedro of Bourbon Two Sicilies, his wife Sofia, and his 6 (out of 7) children.
2. Aimone of Savoy-Aosta, and his wife Olga (born as Princess of Greece).
3. Carlos Javier of Bourbon Parma.
4. Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies
5. Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy
6. Ferdinand of Austria (Habsburg).

Photos 👇




Also Mariano Hugo, Prince of Windisch-Graetz was there.
 
For some reason I thought the late Pope reportedly wanted to " go back to the ground" and wished to be buried in a cemetery.

The above statement said the casket at the basilica was met by "prisoners" amongst other marginalized members of society. How is that logically possible? Aren't prisoners locked away in a
The prison officials probably allowed only non violent work release inmates like Linda 26 and Hans-Rickard mentioned.

In any case, the sight of prisoners, homeless, and young children among the Swiss Guard and high Church officials waiting at the Basilica to receive Francis's remains was deeply moving.

It was all around one of the most impressive and poignant public funerals I have ever witnessed.

Vespers will be sung at the gravesite this evening. I hope it's televised.
 
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St Peters Square was completely packed with people today again during the Sunday Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Parolin, on the 2:nd day of the 9 Day Mourning Period over Pope Francis (Novemdiales)

 
Didn't see Duc and Duchess of Castro. I was expecting to see them.
Also none of the Greek RF, if we don't count the Duchess of Aosta, born Greek Princess.
In fact i think non reigning - non catholic royals did not attend.
 
Didn't see Duc and Duchess of Castro. I was expecting to see them.
Also none of the Greek RF, if we don't count the Duchess of Aosta, born Greek Princess.
In fact i think non reigning - non catholic royals did not attend.
Prince Emanuele Filiberto attended, I saw him.
 
Didn't see Duc and Duchess of Castro. I was expecting to see them.
Also none of the Greek RF, if we don't count the Duchess of Aosta, born Greek Princess.
In fact i think non reigning - non catholic royals did not attend.
Carlo apparently attended.
 
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