The Vatican has updated the liturgical book regulating the funeral rite of popes, simplifying some of the rituals at Pope Francis’ request. The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis ...

ANALYSIS: The revisions reflect Francis’ desire to simplify the rites and, in some instances, to dispense with centuries-old traditions whose ancient roots had become difficult even for Vatican ...

Pope Francis' funeral rites, like those for any pope or any Christian, are meant to "reinforce the hope and witness to the faith" that those who have been baptized in Christ "will rise with him to new ...

Following Pope Francis’ death at age 88 on Easter Monday, the Vatican carried out the first stage in the papal funeral rites, called “the rite of the ascertainment of death and deposition in the ...

Pope Francis, who will celebrate his 88th birthday in December, has approved simplified liturgical rites for the death of a pontiff. His body will rest in a zinc-lined wooden casket, according to the ...