The Vatican has detailed the rituals and procedures to be followed when a pope dies, but has not published such rules for a pope emeritus. So there are many questions about what will be done with the death of Benedict XVI.
But there is no specific answer. The only thing certain is that the most important ritual after the death of a pope – a conclave to elect a new pope – does not apply in this case.
Benedict XVI died this Saturday, 31, at the age of 95. In recent days, the Vatican had already reported that the pontiff emeritus was in fragile health, due to his advanced age. Benedict XVI’s wake will begin on Monday, 2, in the Vatican basilica.
Francis will celebrate the funeral of the pope emeritus on Thursday, 5, in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Emeritus Funeral
The indication of most observers of the Catholic Church is that Benedict XVI’s funeral rites will be similar to those of a retired bishop of Rome. But in this case, the ceremony will be presided over by FranciscoM and not by the rector of the College of Cardinals.
“The funeral of a pope emeritus is the funeral of the bishop emeritus of Rome,” said church historian Alberto Melloni, adding that the situation is not entirely unprecedented as dioceses around the world have already decided how to properly honor retired bishops. .
The rites themselves are contained in the “Roman Ritual”, which sets out how the liturgical rites are to be celebrated, with specific prayers and readings.
Some tweaks are needed, however: as Benedict XVI was a head of state, the funeral will presumably be more pompous, with official delegations from around the world in attendance.
Few can forget the long lines of pilgrims day and night to honor John Paul II when he died in 2005.
Nine days of funeral rites
One thing that would distinguish a funeral for Benedict XVI from that of a reigning pope is the nine days of funeral rites before burial, called “novemdiales.” But one tradition that has been maintained is the placement of the Book of Gospels in the coffin.
When Benedict XVI announced his retirement in 2013, he opened up a decade of uncharted papal territory.
From his title, “pope emeritus,” to his decision to retain the papacy’s white cassock, Benedict XVI has largely created a new handbook to encompass both a reigning pope and a retired pope.
Christopher Bellitto, professor of history at Kean University in New Jersey, United States, said the novelty of Benedict’s decision will likely carry over into the posthumous period.
“The headlines will say ‘One pope is burying another’. It’s not true,” Bellitto said. “To be clear: Benedict is a former pope.”
“But it is an extraordinary sight, as we have not had a papal resignation in 600 years. It speaks of the continuity of papal tradition in the lineage of Saint Peter, but also of a new world where papal resignations will be less rare, perhaps even common,” he said.
See images of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
