[Acrylic-bob]

The reasons for the complex ceremonial surrounding the death of the Pope are a result of doctrine and history. The papal succession was not always as orderly and civilised as it is today. Up until the seventeenth century it was not unusual for political factions to try to usurp papal authority, you have to remember that the pontificate conferred temporal power as well as great wealth. On the death of the Pope one of the first things to happen is that the ring he is given at his election, with which he seals church documents, is broken so that no one can misuse it to falsify documents.

Another important function of the funeral is to show to the faithful, the corpse of the Pontiff, to prove that he is in fact dead and that the papal throne is empty; In Sede Vacante, so that they are not lead into error by anyone who might attempt to usurp the Papal authority.

Christians believe, or should believe, that death is merely the transition from earthly life into immortal life. It is not something to be feared, rather it is something to be celebrated. This is the reason we hold wakes and believe in giving the deceased "a good send off"

There can be nothing embarrasing or unpalatable in explaining a basic fact of life to our children. If anything the sooner they get used to the idea the better. What is strange and odd however, is to want to cosset them and conceal the truth of their condition from them. How does this prepare them for life?

The preservation of tokens or relics of the dead is an activity that is as old as humanity, photography is merely an extension of this.