Nine–day mourning for Pope, cardinals decide on funeral

New Delhi – Even as the world grieves the death of the beloved pontiff, the Pope John Paul II, a general congregation of cardinals is deciding on the day and manner of Pope's funeral, which should be held between the fourth and sixth day after his death, according to an Apostolic Constitution.

During a general congregation of cardinals that follows the death of Pope, the cardinals, on the basis of a prearranged agenda, will take the more urgent decisions regarding the beginning of the election. But their immediate task would be arranging for the funeral.

The rules are given in the constitution “Unversi Dominici Gregis," which Pope John Paul II decreed in 1996. It revised the rules that should be followed in the event of a vacancy of Apostolic See.

The general congregation of cardinal should "fix the day, hour and manner" in which the body of the deceased Pope shall be brought to the Vatican Basilica in order to be exposed for the homage of the faithful.

They will also make all necessary arrangements for the nine–day funeral rites for the departed pontiff. The will have to ensure that the burial takes place between the fourth and the sixth day after the death. Exceptions are allowed in special circumstances.

If burial takes place in the Vatican Basilica, the relevant official document is drawn up by the Notary of the Chapter of the Basilica or by the Canon Archivist.

No one is permitted to photograph or film the Pope either on his sickbed or after death, or to record his words for subsequent reproduction.

If after the Pope's death anyone wishes to photograph him for documentary purposes, he must ask permission from the Cardinal Camerlengo, who will permit only the photographs of the Supreme Pontiff attired in pontifical vestments.

After the burial of the Supreme Pontiff and during the election of the new Pope, no part of the private apartment of the Supreme Pontiff is to be lived in.

If the deceased Pope has made a will concerning his belongings, bequeathing letters and private documents, and has named an executor thereof, it is the responsibility of the executor to determine and execute the will. The executor will give an account of his activities only to the new Supreme Pontiff.