Italy Observes Duelo: The Papal Demise and Transition

by Adriana ruiz

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Italy has entered a period of official mourning, or duelo, following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis I on April 21, 2025. For foreign residents within the capital, the customs and procedures associated with a papal demise and subsequent election may present unfamiliar traditions. This article endeavors to illuminate the role of the papacy, the anticipated funeral rites, and the complex process by which a new pontiff is chosen.

Who is the Pope?

At the heart of the Catholic Church, which boasts over a billion followers worldwide, stands the Pope. He is the Bishop of Rome, and as such, is considered the successor of Saint Peter, whom Jesus Christ appointed as the first head of the Church. This lineage, known as the Apostolic Succession, is a cornerstone of Catholic belief.

The Pope holds immense significance for Catholics globally. He serves as the spiritual leader, the ultimate authority on matters of faith and morals, and the visible head of the Church on Earth. His pronouncements on doctrine (when speaking ex cathedra, a rare and solemn occasion) are considered infallible. Beyond his spiritual role, the Pope is also the head of state of Vatican City, the independent city-state located within Rome. This dual role gives him a unique position on the world stage, often involved in diplomatic efforts and speaking out on global issues of peace, justice, and human rights.

Pope Francis I, before his papacy, was known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Elected on March 13, 2013, he was the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office. His papacy was marked by a focus on social justice, environmental concerns (as articulated in his encyclical Laudato Si’), and a call for a more merciful and inclusive Church. His approachable style and direct engagement with the faithful resonated with many, both within and outside the Catholic community.

The Significance of Duelo (Mourning):

The declaration of duelo in Italy signifies a period of national mourning and respect for the deceased Pope. While the specifics of how this will manifest in daily life for expats might vary, you can expect to see signs of mourning throughout Rome and the country. This could include flags flown at half-mast, moments of silence observed, and potentially the cancellation or postponement of public events. It’s a time for reflection and for showing solidarity with the Catholic community and the nation as a whole.

The Papal Funeral (Funerale del Papa):

The funeral rites for a Pope are steeped in tradition and are a significant event in the Catholic world. While the exact details for Pope Francis I’s funeral will be formally announced, we can draw upon historical precedent to understand the likely proceedings:

• Lying in State: The Pope’s body will likely lie in state, first privately for Vatican officials and then publicly, likely in St. Peter’s Basilica. This allows the faithful to pay their respects. Expect large crowds and potentially long queues.
• The Novendiali (Nine Days of Mourning): Traditionally, there is a nine-day period of mourning following the Pope’s death. During this time, special Masses, known as Novendiali, are celebrated for the repose of the Pope’s soul.
• The Funeral Mass: The funeral Mass itself will be a grand and solemn occasion, held in St. Peter’s Square. It will be attended by high-ranking clergy, heads of state, and representatives from various religions and international organizations. The liturgy will include specific prayers and rituals for a deceased Pope. The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM, marking the first day of the Novendiali. It will be celebrated on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, in accordance with the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nn. 82-109), and will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
• Burial: Historically, Popes have been buried in the crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. However, it was reported earlier that Pope Francis expressed a desire to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas in Rome and a place of particular devotion for him. His wishes will likely be honored.

Given the current situation and the location of Rome, expats living here will undoubtedly witness these events unfold. Be prepared for increased crowds around the Vatican area and potential disruptions to traffic. Showing respect for the solemnity of the occasion is greatly appreciated.

Electing a New Pope (L’Elezione del Nuovo Papa):

The process of electing a new Pope is a unique and secretive one, known as the Papal Conclave. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works:

• The Vacant See (Sede Vacante): The period between the death of a Pope and the election of his successor is known as the sede vacante. During this time, the governance of the Catholic Church is overseen by the College of Cardinals.
• Entering the Conclave: Within 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s death, the Cardinal electors – those Cardinals under the age of 80 – gather in Vatican City. They are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from the outside world to prevent any undue influence.
• Voting: The Cardinals participate in multiple rounds of secret balloting. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope.
• Smoke Signals: A traditional signal is used to inform the outside world of the progress of the election:
 · Black smoke (fumata nera) indicates that no Pope has been elected. This is typically produced by burning the ballots along with straw.
 · White smoke (fumata bianca) signals that a new Pope has been elected. This is achieved by burning the ballots without straw, sometimes with the addition of a chemical to ensure a clear white color.
• “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”): Once a Pope is elected and has accepted, the senior Cardinal Deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces to the world, “Habemus Papam!” followed by the new Pope’s chosen name.
• The Inauguration: The newly elected Pope then addresses the crowds in St. Peter’s Square and celebrates his inaugural Mass, formally beginning his pontificate.

As residents of Rome, you will have a front-row seat to this historic process. The anticipation surrounding the white smoke and the subsequent announcement is always a moment of intense global interest.

The passing of a Pope is a significant moment for the Catholic Church and for the world. While the traditions might seem intricate, they are deeply rooted in history and faith. Understanding these customs allows us to better appreciate the cultural and religious significance of this time. Let us observe this period of duelo with respect and be mindful of the profound traditions unfolding around us.

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