What happens after Benedict’s death?

The Vatican regulates in detail what should happen when a pope dies. However, virtually all schemes – such as the conclave to elect a new Catholic leader – involve the death of an incumbent pope. Such as the scenario for the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. (95) might look like is unclear. No wonder, after all, that no pope has resigned for over 700 years.

Benedict, who hails from Bavaria, resigned from the office of pope in February 2013 for health reasons in a highly unusual move. With his resignation, communicated in Latin, he wrote church history: Benedict was the first pope since 1415 to relinquish the office of head of the Catholic Church.

As can be heard from the Vatican, Pope Francis (86) arranged the process after the death of his predecessor and agreed with the master of ceremonies. The plan has not yet been made public.

Usually the cardinals organize themselves after the death of a pope

According to the 1996 Apostolic Constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis”, written by John Paul II (1920-2005), the Cardinal Vicar of Rome must inform the populace of the Pope’s death. In the meantime, however, experts assume that the Holy See will issue a press release. A number of other regulations, such as the continuation of official affairs, do not have to be applied on Benedict’s death, because Francis is in office and there is therefore no vacancy on the seat, i.e. no vacant papal chair.

Normally, after the death of a pope, the cardinals organize funeral ceremonies for nine days. It is unlikely that this will last that long with Benedict. The native Bavarian will almost certainly receive a burial as pope in St. Peter’s Basilica, just like his predecessors. Francis should celebrate the funeral service himself, as far as he can because of his knee pain.

He wants to be buried in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica

It will be interesting to see which political dignitaries – including from Germany – will attend the funeral. As Pontifex, Benedict was head of the Papal States; However, recent developments surrounding decades of abuse scandals cast a shadow over the life and work of the former pope. This could prevent some politicians from traveling to Rome. Many cardinals – especially those whom Benedict himself brought into the College of Cardinals during his pontificate – are likely to come.

As the Adnkronos news agency reported, Benedict had already indicated in 2020 that he wanted to be buried in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica. As the exact place he chose the first tomb of John Paul II in the papal tomb. The popular Pole lay there until his remains were transferred to a chapel in the right aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica after his beatification in 2011. (SDA/jmh)