“The Chamberlain seals the Pope’s apartments and begins to make arrangements for the burial,” states the guidance. “It is the Dean’s responsibility to inform all the cardinals, the ...

The aforementioned Benedict was the first pope to resign ... As per the laws of the church, the pope’s funeral and burial absolutely must occur in four to six days after his death.

Francis' decision is a major departure from tradition, particularly in light of Pope Benedict XVI's burial in the Vatican ...