State funeral

A state funeral is a public funeral ceremony held to honour heads of state or other important people of national significance. They usually include much pomp and ceremony.

Roman Catholic Church

When the pope dies, the officials in Vatican City begin a vigorous series of rituals dating back to the middle ages.

Related Topics:
Pope - Vatican City

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After the initial determination of his death, made by calling his name three times without response, the Camerlengo ("Cardinal Chamberlain" is the English title) declares him dead, orders the papal offices and apartment sealed, and destroys the pontiff's signet ring (the Ring of the Fisherman) and seals with the silver hammer. The Pope's body is initially moved to the Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace, where he is privately viewed by Vatican officials in a ceremony to confirm and certify his death. After that, his body is moved to St. Peter's Basilica to lay in state, guarded by the Swiss Guard, for public viewing and mourning for several more days. The pontiff is then moved to his final resting place. The popes of the last century have been buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica.

Related Topics:
Camerlengo - Ring of the Fisherman - Clementine Hall - Apostolic Palace - St. Peter's Basilica - Swiss Guard

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