The symbolic items at Pope Francis’s funeral explained
2025-04-26T07:37:27Z
While Francis’ funeral processions have broken with tradition in a variety of ways — including allowing the public to view his body — the mass will involve a series of longtime Catholic symbols and ceremonies.
While Francis’ funeral processions have broken with tradition in a variety of ways — including allowing the public to view his body — the mass will involve a series of longtime Catholic symbols and ceremonies.
Here’s a look at what viewers can expect to see during the historic mass:
Miter/Crozier
A series of symbolic items from Francis’ reign will be laid alongside him, including his miter and crozier.
5 Pope Francis leaves after conducting his first Chrism Mass inside St Peter’s Basilica on the morning of Holy Thursday on March 28, 2013, in Vatican City, Vatican. Getty Images
The miter is the ceremonial, pointed headdress that the Pope, as well as Bishops, wear. Francis was known for preferring a simple white miter with a vertical stripe.
His crozier is the pastoral staff, which he carried during his tenure, signifying his role as the “pastor of all the pastors.”
Minted coins
A bag containing one dozen coins that were minted during Francis’ pontificate will be placed in his coffin.
5 Pope Francis minted coins with the year 2013. Golden State Mint
Each coin signifies each year he served as Pope.
Rogito
The Rogito — an Italian word indicating an official deed — is a single-page legal document that provides an account of Francis’ papacy.
5 Former personal secretary of Pope Benedict XVI Archbishop Georg Ganswein signs a deed as the Body Of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is laid to rest in his coffin ahead of his Funeral in St Peter’s Basilica. Getty Images
The paper will be read aloud by the master of liturgical ceremonies before being rolled up and slipped into a cylindrical tube and placed beside Francis.
A second copy will be kept for the Vatican archives.
Rosary
Pope’s are traditionally laid to rest with a rosary, and Francis will be no exception.
During his three days of public viewing, Francis had a rosary carefully entwined around his fingers.
5 The body of Pope Francis lies in state inside St Peter’s Basilica, on April 24, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican. Getty Images
Death certificate
The death certificate is another traditional document that will be buried alongside the Pope.
American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, acting as the camerlengo — the Vatican official acting in the Pope’s place until a successor is named — performed the ritual pronouncement of death earlier this week during the private viewing ceremony.
He drafted the formal declaration of death, which is attached to the certificate that had been prepared by the health service chief, which is placed in the coffin.
Broken Fisherman’s Ring
5 A general view of the Pope’s Fishermen’s Ring as the body of Pope Francis is transferred into the Basilica at St Peter’s Square on April 23, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican. ZUMAPRESS.com
Lastly, Francis will be buried with his Fisherman’s Ring — though it will be broken before he is buried with it.
The Fisherman’s Ring was bestowed upon him when he was appointed 12 years ago, and will be ceremonially smashed to symbolize the end of Francis’ papacy.
When his successor is named, they will be given their own Fisherman’s Ring.
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