Apostolica Sedes Vacans: Day 2

As the second day in Rome—and the first full day—without a Pope comes to a close, a few things have happened or been announced since yesterday’s message.

Confirmation of Death and Transfer

The Camerlengo, per the rite of papal funerals that Pope Francis revised last year (Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis), confirmed his death. Pope Francis is currently lying in the chapel at the Vatican apartment building where he lived.

Tomorrow, at 9:00 a.m. local time, his remains will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, also known as the “Vatican Basilica.” The Vatican’s liturgical office published the liturgy aid for the transfer, which includes an English translation.

Transfer of the Body of Pope Francis Download

Saint-Making on Hold

Bl. Carlos Acutis was scheduled to be canonized (made a saint) this Sunday; however, the Vatican announced yesterday it will be “suspended.” It’ll be up to the new Pope to see him raised to the altars.

Today, the College of Cardinals, in its first gathering, decided that all beatification ceremonies will be suspended pending the new Pope’s decision. In other words, those who have had miracles confirmed and are about to be named “Blessed” won’t be until we have a new Pope.

According to the Discastery of Saints, the following beatifications are on hold until a new Pope gives the green light:

Maria Magdolna Bódi (initially scheduled for Saturday, April 26)

Pietro Paolo Oros (May 3)

Camille Costa de Beauregard (May 17)

Eduard Profittlich (May 17)

Stanisław Streich (May 24)

Christophora Klomfass and 14 companions (May 31)

The suspension of the canonization makes sense due to the logistics of having both events at the Vatican a day apart, and canonizations are an act for the global church and, thus, the ordinary minister of canonizations is the Pope himself.

Beatifications, per a regulation by Pope Benedict XVI, are likewise a pontifical act and should be done by a representative of the Holy See, usually the Prefect for the Discastery of Saints. But, since the Holy See is vacant, the Prefect’s office has ceased. Thus, we’re on hold from beatifications until the new Pope confirms the Prefect’s appointment. Typically, an incoming pontiff will confirm the existing officeholders, at least for the time being, but he is free to appoint anyone to those offices.

Funeral Announced

The funeral for Pope Francis will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local. The dean of the College of Cardinals, the 91-year-old Cardinal Re will celebrate. Concelebrating with him will be any patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops who report to the right place at the right time. Other members of the Papal Household will be attending in choir, meaning will not concelebrate, but will have a specific place for them.

Here’s a fun glitch. There are two announcements for the funeral posted on the Vatican’s website. One includes directions for priests and deacons who wish to vest and, if a priest, concelebrate. The other does not.

The Press Office makes no mention of regular priests and deacons. The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff’s notice includes where priests and deacons should be, with what vestments, to concelebrate.