An ancient ritual took place at the Vatican after the death of the pontiff: the papal apartment was sealed with a wax seal and marked with a purple ribbon. This centuries-old practice, rich in meaning, has its roots in the sacred history of the Church. Discover the secrets of this solemn ceremony.
The disappearance of the sovereign pontiff: a global mourning
It was on Easter Monday , April 21, 2025 , that the Catholic world learned with emotion of the death of Pope Francis . Aged 88 , the spiritual leader of Catholics died following a stroke in his Vatican residence, where he had lived since the beginning of his pontificate. His persistent respiratory problems had gradually affected his health in recent months.
It was Cardinal Kevin Farrell , Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, who officially announced this news to the world. The first pope from the American continent, known for his humble approach and his special attention to the most disadvantaged, had profoundly transformed the Church since his accession to the throne of Peter in 2013 .
The Sealing Ritual: Protection and Transition
In accordance with the centuries-old tradition codified in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis , protocol procedures were immediately initiated. Among the most striking symbolic gestures was the sealing with red wax of the door to the papal apartments, marked with the official seal of the Vatican .
This practice, which dates back several centuries, was initially intended to protect sensitive documents and prevent outside interference during the delicate period of sede vacante , the transitional phase between two pontificates.
A notable feature: contrary to tradition, it was not the door of the majestic Apostolic Palace that was sealed, but that of the simple room that Francis occupied at the Sainte-Marthe residence , a reflection of his deliberate choice of simplicity.
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