Which Popes Currently Lie in State at the Vatican
At the Vatican, lying in state is a formal liturgical rite in which the pope’s body is exposed for veneration after death, typically in St. Peter’s Basilica or the nearby Vatican Grottoes. As of the early 2020s, several recent popes lie in state in prominent locations: Pope Pius XII in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s, Pope John XXIII in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica, and Pope Benedict XVI in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis has not yet died, so no lying in state arrangements have been enacted for him. This evergreen explainer clarifies which popes lie in state at the Vatican, where their bodies are located, and how this practice differs from a papal funeral.
What Does Lying in State Mean for a Pope
Lying in state is distinct from a private funeral or immediate interment. After a pope dies, a formal period of public veneration is often arranged to allow pilgrims and officials to pay respects. The rite typically occurs in a major basilica with significant liturgical ceremonies. The practice is both a religious funeral rite and a public pilgrimage event, reflecting the pope’s role as a global spiritual figure. Key elements include the placement of the papal body in a public crypt or tomb, a vigil with liturgical prayers, and controlled access for pilgrims. This is an established tradition for certain modern popes, while earlier papal burials followed more varied customs.
Historical Context of Papal Lying in State
Historically, papal funerals and interments have followed a range of practices influenced by politics, liturgical norms, and the logistics of St. Peter’s Basilica. For centuries, popes were often buried inside churches or basilicas, sometimes within days of death. In the modern era, the formal lying in state in a major Vatican basilica became more standardized in the twentieth century. This change aligned with larger liturgical reforms and the logistics of accommodating large numbers of pilgrims. The precedents set for papal lying in state in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries help explain the current locations of several popes at the Vatican.
Current Locations of Popes Who Lie in State
Several recent popes are entombed or displayed in prominent locations within the Vatican complex. The geography includes the Vatican Grottoes, the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the basilica itself. The following table summarizes the verified locations for popes who currently lie in state at the Vatican as of the early 2020s, along with the status of key ceremonies and access details:
Papal Lying in State Locations at a Glance
| Pope | Location at the Vatican | Year of Death | Public Veneration Status | Access Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pope Pius XII | Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s | 1958 | Lies in state in tomb | Located in the Grottoes, accessible within the Vatican burial areas |
| Pope John XXIII | St. Peter’s Basilica | 1963 | Lies in state in tomb | Prominent location in the basilica; receives steady pilgrimage |
| Pope John Paul II | St. Peter’s Basilica | 2005 | Lies in state in tomb | Located in the crypt of St. Peter’s; highly visited |
| Pope Benedict XVI | Crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica | 2022 | Lies in state in tomb | Interred in the papal crypt near the main basilica |
Where Popes Are Typically Interred After Lying in State
After the period of lying in state, a pope is usually interred in a designated tomb or crypt within the Vatican. These final resting places vary in size, ornamentation, and historical significance. Many are located in the Vatican Grottoes or beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The choice of burial site is often determined by the pope’s wishes, liturgical decisions, and logistical considerations within the Holy See. Understanding the final resting place completes the picture of where each pope lies in state and ultimately rests.
Distinguishing Lying in State from Other Papal Funeral Practices
- Lying in state: public veneration in a major basilica or crypt, with scheduled liturgies and controlled access for pilgrims.
- Funeral liturgy: the formal Mass and rites of farewell, which may occur before or after lying in state.
- Immediate burial: some historical papal burials occurred quickly without a public lying in state period.
- Vatican Grottoes: a designated area beneath St. Peter’s where several popes rest, distinct from the main basilica floors.
Practical Information for Pilgrims and Visitors
For pilgrims wishing to visit the tombs of popes who lie in state at the Vatican, planning is helpful. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes are accessible through the Vatican Museums and requires a ticket or guided tour. During major liturgical feasts, access may be restricted due to ceremonies and security. The locations of these tombs are clearly marked, and informational signage is available in multiple languages. Visitors should expect security screening and may need to adhere to dress codes and queue management procedures.
Theological and Liturgical Significance
The period of lying in state underscores the pope’s role as a visible head of the Catholic Church and allows the faithful to participate in mourning and remembrance. Theologically, it emphasizes both the human reality of death and the eschatological hope of resurrection. Liturgically, it provides a bridge between the pope’s earthly ministry and his continuing intercession. This practice has evolved to balance solemnity, accessibility, and pastoral care for the global Catholic community.