The mysterious sealing of Pope Francis’s door: a Vatican tradition laden with symbolism

A pontificate marked by humility

While his predecessors had opted for the splendor of traditional papal apartments , Jorge Mario Bergoglio had made the radical choice of a sober lifestyle, often sharing his meals with staff and limiting protocol to the bare minimum.

This philosophy is reflected in the arrangements made for his funeral: he expressly requested to be dressed in the red color of the martyrs and to rest in a simple wooden coffin displayed to the faithful in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Symbols of the papal transition

Among the most impressive rituals is the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring , the emblem of papal authority. According to tradition, the camerlengo must break this ring with a hammer to prevent any fraudulent use during the interregnum.

Other symbolic elements accompany the deceased pontiff: commemorative coins issued during his pontificate as well as a summary of his main achievements will be placed in his coffin before its final closure.

Preparing for the conclave: towards a new chapter

After the funeral ceremonies scheduled for April 24-27 , there will follow a nine-day period of prayer (the Novemdiales ), before the electoral process of the conclave begins .

The 120 cardinal electors will then gather in the famous Sistine Chapel for secret votes. As is traditional, the results of each vote will be announced by the color of the smoke coming out of the chimney: black for failure , white for the election of a new pope .

A spiritual testament in accordance with his convictions

Faithful to his principles to the end, Francis left precise instructions for a funeral stripped of all pomp : a coffin without excessive ornamentation, which would be buried not in the Vatican grottoes like his predecessors, but in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major , a place that was particularly dear to him.

This ultimate choice perfectly sums up his unwavering attachment to the values ​​of humility and simplicity which marked his ministry.

The sealing of his modest room at the Sainte-Marthe residence does not only mark the end of a protocol: it is the conclusion of a revolutionary pontificate and the prelude to a new page in the history of the Catholic Church.