The world waits impatiently for the inevitable, as the mortal body of Pope Francis, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, gradually yields to the depredations of time. As the world draws an end to the Pope's journey here on earth, the faithful are preparing themselves for the somber ceremonies that will greet the end of his extraordinary life. The Vatican City, the headquarters of Catholicism, is preparing to conduct the Last Rites, a centuries-old tradition imbued with history and symbolism.
The Anointing of the Sick, a most essential aspect of the Last Rites, will be done with utmost solemnity. The holy oils, sanctified by the Church, will be anointed on the Pope's senses – his eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, hands, and feet – to symbolize the absolution of sins and the fortification of his soul. This time-honored ritual has its roots in the early Christian Church, where it was given to the faithful in their last moments as a comfort and solace.
After the Last Rites, the body of the Pope will be prepared for burial according to the old customs of the Roman Catholic Church. The body will be cleaned, dressed in simple but dignified clothing, and placed in a casket, usually with hands folded in prayer. Thousands of followers are expected to gather in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City as the news of the Pope's death breaks out, paying their respects, seeking consolation, and giving their final goodbyes to the revered leader.
The funeral ceremonies will be a solemn occasion, with the participation of dignitaries from all over the globe, including Heads of State, royalty, and other eminent personalities. The Mass will be officiated by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who will preach a homily, recounting the Pope's life, legacy, and achievements for the Catholic Church. The body of the Pope will then be buried in the Vatican Grottoes, under St. Peter's Basilica, where some of his predecessors rest.
While the world laments Pope Francis' departure, the believers will take consolation in the sacraments and tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. The Last Rites, witness to the survival of the legacy of the Church, will become a source of closure and reassurance for the people who were touched by the life and work of the Pope. The funereal pomp and gravitas of the funeral obsequies will provide a fitting requiem for a man whose life has had a lasting imprint on the earth.