Video Shows Sealing of Papal Apartments After Pope Francis’ Death, in Moment Made Famous by “Conclave”

New Video Shows Sealing of Papal Apartments After Pope Francis’ Death

New footage has emerged from the Vatican showing the sealing of the papal apartments following the passing of Pope Francis. The first pope from Latin America died at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21. This moment, captured on video, may remind some of the film “Conclave,” where Ralph Fiennes portrayed Cardinal Lawrence overseeing a fictionalized version of the papal election process.

Unlike depicted in the movie “Conclave,” where a deceased pope resided in the papal apartments within the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis chose to live in a modest room within the Casa Santa Marta, a smaller dwelling at the Vatican guest house. Both residences have now been sealed, aligning with the traditional procedures carried out upon the death of a pontiff.

A Vatican insider named Lucas Schaerer, who became friends with Pope Francis in 2008, shed light on the pontiff’s living arrangements in a 2015 interview. According to Schaerer, Pope Francis led a humble life, residing in a small room within the Casa Santa Marta. This choice reflects the pontiff’s commitment to simplicity and humility, values that endeared him to many worldwide.

The upcoming papal election, known as a conclave, has captured the attention of the public for centuries. Documentaries such as “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger and based on a novel by Robert Harris, have shed light on this secretive and time-honoured process that dates back to the 13th century. The conclave represents a critical moment in the history of the Catholic Church, where cardinals gather to elect the next successor to St. Peter.

One of the notable rituals associated with the conclave is the burning of coloured smoke, a symbolic gesture that communicates to the world the progress of the electoral process. White smoke signifies the election of a new pope, while black smoke indicates that further voting is required. The decision to elect a new pontiff must receive a two-thirds majority vote from the College of Cardinals, underscoring the significance of the selection process.

Historically, the duration of a conclave varied, with some lasting for years before a consensus was reached. In contrast, Pope Francis’ election in 2013 occurred after just one day of voting, highlighting the speed and decisiveness of the process. As the first Latin American pope, Pope Francis brought a fresh perspective to the papacy, advocating for social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity within the Church.

Following Pope Francis’ passing, preparations are underway for his funeral rites, including public viewing of his body at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The solemn ceremony will take place at St. Peter’s Square, allowing for a large gathering of mourners to pay their respects to the beloved pontiff. His final resting place at St. Mary Major, a Roman basilica, marks a departure from tradition, symbolizing Pope Francis’ unique legacy and impact on the Catholic Church.

In conclusion, the sealing of the papal apartments signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Vatican. As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, attention turns to the forthcoming conclave, where cardinals will prayerfully discern and elect the next spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The legacy of Pope Francis, with his emphasis on mercy, compassion, and dialogue, will undoubtedly endure in the hearts and minds of the faithful for generations to come.