Approval of Second Edition of Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis

Pope Francis approved a second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which outlines the liturgical procedures for papal funerals. This revision aimed to align his funeral rites more closely with those of a bishop, reflecting a shift in the traditional practices associated with papal burials. Notably, the updated guidelines eliminated the longstanding requirement for three coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. Instead, Pope Francis opted for a single zinc-lined wooden casket, indicating a more simplified approach to his burial. This decision marks a significant departure from previous papal traditions and highlights a more personal and humble perspective on death and burial rites. Furthermore, Pope Francis is set to be the first pope since Leo XIII to be interred outside the Vatican, with plans for his burial in the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, a site to which he has expressed deep devotion, particularly to the Salus populi Romani icon. This change in burial location and the new funeral rites reflect a broader trend within the Catholic Church towards modernization and a more relatable approach to papal traditions.