Pope Francis Approved New Papal Funeral Rites Before His Death, Details Emerge

• The Vatican reported the death of Pope Francis, saying that he died on Easter Monday on April 21, 2025
• In the same letter shared on the Vatican News website, they released details of how the Pope would be buried
• The Vatican noted that Pope Francis approved the updated version of papal funeral rites before his passing

The death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican on April 21, 2025, and details of how he would be buried were also made known.

How Pope Francis would be buried

In a thoughtful and perhaps prophetic gesture, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the liturgical guide for papal funeral rites in April 2024.

This updated version, known as the second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, outlines new protocols for handling the mortal remains of a pope.

One of the significant changes introduced is that the formal confirmation of death now takes place in the chapel, rather than the room where the pontiff passes.

Once confirmed, the body is placed directly into the coffin, following a more structured and reverent approach to the final rites.

This revision ensures the late Pope’s funeral will follow a ritual he personally approved, adding one final, solemn mark to his legacy.

The Legacy of Pope Francis

Reactions to Pope Francis' passing

Many people in the comment section spoke about Pope Francis being the father for all and the fact that in his last moments, he called for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza.

Below are the reactions of social media users to the passing of the Pope:

ainy91 said:

"You forgot to mention he supported Palestine 🇵🇸 but we all know that’s not in the interest of the BBC to mention."

maggcare said:

"May God rest his soul! He was a great man."

chanellewilliams4394 said:

"Oh no, my prayers are with his family and the entire Catholic nation.❤️🙏."

hamzah_boshnaq said:

"His last words were. : we need a ceasefire in Gaza🖤🖤."

hi_misseva said:

"Rest in peace Pope, It’s so sweet that God allowed him to celebrate Easter one last time."

freesamples.co.uk said:

"Such a huge loss — may he rest in peace. A truly remarkable leader who touched hearts around the world. ✨💔."

wajahat_khan144 said:

"Pope Francis repeatedly requested for a ceasefire in Gaza, yet all leaders ignored him...may he rest in peace❤️."

Adwenpahene’s widow visits his grave

YEN.com.gh reported that a touching video of Adwenpahene’s grieving widow, Rebecca Adusei, visiting his final resting place has stirred deep emotions across social media.

In the emotional footage, the widow was seen kneeling beside her late husband’s grave, tearfully pouring out her heart and making a heartfelt promise to him. Her visible grief and quiet words have left many online deeply moved.

The video quickly gained attention, with netizens flooding the comment section to share their sympathy and express how heartbroken they felt watching the scene. Many offered comforting words, while others prayed for strength for the widow as she navigates her loss.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh