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Cardinal Farrell Presides Over Rite of Ascertainment of Pope Francis’ Death
Vatican City, April 21, 2025 — In a solemn and historic ceremony, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided over the rite of ascertainment to officially confirm the death of Pope Francis. The ritual took place at 8:00 PM local time in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence.
This ceremonial rite, rooted in centuries of papal tradition, marks the formal beginning of the sede vacante — the period between the death of a pope and the election of his successor.
Attendees and Protocol
The rite was attended by:
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Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals
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Members of Pope Francis’ immediate family
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Vatican medical staff, including Dr. Andrea Arcangeli and Dr. Luigi Carbone
Following the confirmation of his death, Pope Francis’ body was prepared in accordance with simplified funeral instructions he personally approved in 2024, emphasizing humility and pastoral values.
Pope Francis’ Final Hours
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM CEST on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his death publicly at 9:45 AM, with initial reports suggesting the cause may have been related to a cerebral event, possibly a stroke.
Burial Wishes
In keeping with his desire for simplicity:
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He will be buried in a wooden coffin with a zinc interior, rather than the traditional triple-coffin arrangement
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He will be laid to rest in Basilica of St. Mary Major, breaking with the tradition of papal interment in the Vatican Grottoes
What Comes Next
With the Pope’s death confirmed, Cardinal Farrell assumes temporary control over Vatican operations. The Church now enters the sede vacante, during which the College of Cardinals will prepare for the papal conclave. The conclave to elect the next pope is expected to take place between May 6 and May 11, 2025.
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