A special document holds the rules for a pope’s funeral
The Vatican’s burial plan for a deceased pope is a meticulously detailed process, outlined in the Ordo Exsequiarium Romani Pontificis. This extensive 437-page document, modified by Pope John Paul II himself, is a testament to the importance and reverence given to the passing of a pontiff. The manual, a blend of Latin and Italian, is not just a set of instructions; it is a codified tradition that reflects centuries of Catholic heritage.
It outlines every step of the funeral process and identifies three essential “stations” or phases in the ceremony, ensuring that each aspect of the ritual is conducted with the utmost respect and solemnity.