The Vatican has been reported as bowing to Pope John Paul II’s request to alter the centuries-old tradition of simply letting up white smoke when the new Pope is elected at the end of the Conclave. Pope John Paul had requested for the ringing of bells to take place in addition to the white smoke to announce the election of the successor – a request that the Vatican has allowed.
Usually black smoke will be shown if no final decision has been after a ballot between the Cardinals in the Conclave. However, white smoke will be given off finally when a new Pope has been decided upon. The smoke comes from the burning of the papers of the secret ballots, and a chemical added to bring out the correct colour.
In addition, Archbishop Piero Marini reported that before John Paul died on Saturday, he made a request "to be buried in the ground" and not to be placed in the above-ground tomb. Therefore, he will be buried in the tomb left vacant after the remains of Pope John XXIII were exhumed from St Peter’s Basilica in 2001, and transferred to the main floor after a beautification service.
As Pope John Paul II is laid to rest, a white silk veil will be placed over his face and a rosary placed in his hands. Then the body will be clad in liturgical vestments and the white mitre.
One tradition that will remain untouched is that the body will be placed inside three separate coffins. One made of wood, another of zinc and then of wood again. This was historically designed to slow the process of decomposition of the body.
Along with the body, a small bag of commemorative medals that were issued during the Pope’s 26-years will also be placed in the coffin, and a document with a brief description of the Pope’s life in Latin.
The personal physician reported that the Pope "passed away slowly, with pain and suffering which he endured with great human dignity. The Holy Father could not utter a single word before passing away. Just as happened in the last days he could not speak, he was forced to silence."
