Following the passing of Pope Francis, a well-coordinated series of events have been put in place to honor his life and legacy. However, his funeral, unlike those of previous popes, is expected to be quite different due to changes he made to his funeral plans last year.

Pope Francis, a highly esteemed leader who passed away at the age of 88 after bravely battling double pneumonia, chose to modify his funeral rites to reflect his humility by moving away from the traditional elaborate ceremonies.

Ordinarily, papal funerals take place in St. Peter’s Square four to six days after the pope’s passing. Nevertheless, Pope Francis decided that he would break from tradition set by his predecessors. He expressed his wish not to be interred in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica but instead chose St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome as his final resting place.

He also chose a simple wooden casket, a far cry from his predecessors who would be laid to rest in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead and oak.

The date of his funeral has not yet been announced.

The conclave to elect a new pope begins in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death at the behest of a secret ballot.

Cardinals need at least two-thirds plus one to elect the new pope, meaning voting can take several days before a new pope is chosen.

With Post wires.