Sri Lanka mourns the death of Pope

All Catholic houses and institutions requested to hoist the Catholic Flag at half-mast   

By Yohan Perera

The world including Sri Lanka received the news about the  demise of Pope Francis, the spiritual head of 1.4 billion Catholics in  the world making thousands across the globe to express their sadness on   social media and through other means.

The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis around 11.30 local time and 7.30 Roman time.   

Pope Francis, who was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church,  died at the age of 88. He was battling respiratory conditions for  weeks and was hospitalised during early March.   

The Archdiocese of Colombo joined the Universal Church in  mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who returned to the  House of the Father on Easter Monday, 2025-04-21, this morning, at the  age of 88. “All churches in Sri Lanka were asked to sound bells, which  is a tradition of the church whenever there is a bereavement of an  important person or any Catholic in a given parish,” Director Mass  Communications Catholic Church in Sri Lanka Fr. Jude Krishantha said.   

“It will be requested that all Catholic houses and institutions hoist the Catholic Flag at half-mast from today,” he said.  

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who paid a  tribute to the Pope, said he left an indelible mark on the world through  his unwavering commitment to peace, compassion and humanity.   

Shortly after the official announcement of a pope’s death,  Vatican officials start the process of confirming his death. This  responsibility typically falls to the Vatican health department and the  Camerlengo. The acting Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, aged  77, will be tasked with confirming the death and overseeing the initial  arrangements. Then the pope’s body will be moved to his private chapel.  The body will be dressed in a white cassock and laid in a zinc-lined  wooden coffin, underscoring both reverence and continuity of ritual.  Vatican procedures indicate that his mitre and pallium will be  respectfully set aside, while his body will be adorned in red vestments,  in keeping with longstanding custom. In a symbolic ritual marking the  end of a papacy, the pope’s official signet, commonly known as the  “Fisherman’s Ring,” will be ritually broken. Historically, the Camerlengo carries out this task using a special hammer to crush the  ring—a poignant gesture that prevents any possibility of false use and  visually confirms the conclusion of the pontificate.   

Usually after a papal death, the Vatican declare a nine-day  mourning period known as Novendiale. During these nine days, various  services and memorials will be held, allowing Catholics to pay tribute  to Pope Francis and mourn his passing. The most poignant event of this  period will likely be the public exhibition of the pope’s body.   

In a departure from earlier traditions, the embalmed body  will not be placed on a raised platform or catafalque but will likely  remain in its coffin. 

This aligns with Pope Francis’ preference for  simplicity and his expressed dislike of elaborate arrangements for his  death. A formal procession is expected to transport the body to St.  Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of worshippers, officials, and  international observers will visit to pay their respects. During this  period of mourning, the Vatican will be in a state known as sede vacante,  which means “the seat is vacant.” 

This transitional period places the  administration of the Church in the hands of the College of Cardinals.  While the cardinals will manage routine matters, no major decisions will  be made until a new pope is elected.   

Traditionally, a pope’s funeral is held a few days after  death. In Pope Francis’ case, the funeral is expected to take place four  to six days after his passing, followed by up to nine days of  additional ceremonies. These ceremonies are typically conducted in  various churches in Rome to facilitate religious and public  commemoration.   

Historically, popes were entombed in three nested coffins  made of cypress, zinc, and elm. However, in accordance with his  humility, Pope Francis is expected to be buried in a single wooden  coffin lined with zinc.   

At the funeral, it is customary for the coffin to be sealed  following the placement of a white silk cloth over the pope’s face—a  symbolic gesture marking the transition from life to eternal rest.  Additionally, a bag of coins minted during his reign and a document  known as the rogito might be placed inside the coffin. 

The rogito, which  outlines the life and accomplishments of the Pope, is traditionally  read aloud before the coffin is sealed. As per ancient tradition, Pope  Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St Mary Major — a church he  frequented for private prayer and contemplation, fulfilling his personal  wishes.   

The conclave, which is the process of electing a new pope,  will take place in 15 to 20 days. During this interim period, the College  of Cardinals, which temporarily oversees the Church, will prepare to  elect a new pope. 

The conclave is expected to be presided over by  Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, the current dean of the College of  Cardinals. Only cardinal electors. Those under the age of 80, numbering  no more than approximately 120, are eligible to participate in the voting  process.

The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel in a private,  highly controlled environment, ensuring that the decision is reached  free from external influence. 

The dean typically oversees the conclave,  but since the Cardinal is over 80, he will not be eligible to vote. In  this case, the sub-dean or a younger senior cardinal is likely to take  his place.