Funeral of Pope Francis

[cakeorwine]

Watching it now. I'm not religious - but it is a fascinating watch and a beautiful setting.

QE set up a protocol that the monarch does not attention funerals or coronations. Apparently its fairly standard. The king has a representative present.

Same for the pope, at royal funerals or coronations he'd be represented by the cardinal or archbishop.

Absolutely @Needtosoundoffandbreathe , I'm flabbergasted that the funeral of the Pope looks so unrehearsed. Disappointed, he deserves the absolute best.

So are you saying if Charles said he wanted to go someone would stop him?

Now we need them to show The Shoes of the Fisherman

That's whataboutery - Charles went to see the Pope shortly before he died. The timing was no accident.

According to the Times last week, it is not protocol for the King to attend funerals in foreign nations.

Yes
https://people.com/melania-trump-no-issue-attending-pope-francis-funeral-on-birthday-exclusive-11721919

Aine Lawlor on the RTÉ livestream several times referring to 'Saint Pope' and then correcting herself.

I'm going to have to catch up with the rest of the ceremony later (Vatican TV on YouTube!!)

Thanks for the company on the thread!!

The pall bearers are struggling they really needed properly trained people with appropriate skills

But she isn't Queen now so if she set up one thing there is no reason why Charles can't set up something else if he wants to and if he's well enough.

He didn’t want that though. These were the people he chose to carry his coffin.

I was wondering why they all looked so strained then I remembered there are three coffins including a metal one. I guess it’s hard to squeeze in enough men around the length to make it an easy lift.

Love 3 of the 4 children putting flowers in front of the icon being in spring colours. Feels like what Pope Francis would have enjoyed.

Why don't you tell him that instead of us? In case he doesn't know.

Yes, you are being ridiculous.

Why is it whataboutery? Obviously Charles can change things if he wants to. There wasn't something magical about the last Queen that means what she said can't be changed.

And let's remember it is a religious ceremeny first and foremost. I don't think there would have been rehearsals other than how to get all the people seated etc which seemed to go smoothly.

No - Francis only has the one wooden coffin, not three.

Don't worry I'm sure he knows perfectly well. What is ridiculous is saying a man in his 70s can't do something because his mum said so years ago.

I think I’ve missed something here, do you think you could kindly explain that last bit? (They reminded me of the pall bearers for my father, who almost dropped the coffin before they reached the grave.)

@QuiteUnbelievable I agree, it looks very undignified. Even 'reversing him in', followed by a gaggle of men who didn't appear to know how to get the coffin off the vehicle.😥

The BBC insisting on calling the church St Mary Major instead of Santa Maria Maggiore is really getting on my nerves.

It makes it sound like a CofE church in the Cotswolds.

The pope is the head of state of the Vatican City - so other world leaders attend. Like if Trump died they would all go to his funeral

I think it’s fine actually. It’s been respectful and full of love and admiration for him. I can’t imagine he’d have wanted people on tenterhooks over the execution of every aspect.

Exactly.