Taal, Batangas — In solemn observance of Pope Francis’ death at age 88, the Minor Basilica and Parish of St. Martin of Tours in Taal, Batangas removed the papal symbols associated with the late pontiff on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the sede vacante period in the Catholic Church.
Fr. Bernard Aguila, rector and parish priest of the historic Taal Basilica, led the symbolic act of taking down the papal coat of arms—an official emblem signifying the presence of a reigning pope.
Pope Francis, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. He passed away on Monday due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure, prompting churches around the world to begin the liturgical protocols that follow the death of a pontiff.
With the Church now in a period of sede vacante—Latin for “the seat being vacant”—the official papal coat of arms is replaced by the sede vacante seal. This temporary insignia features the traditional keys of Saint Peter beneath a crimson-and-gold umbrella, known as the umbraculum, topped by a cross-topped orb.
The symbol signifies the authority of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who manages Vatican affairs during the papal vacancy, and reminds the faithful that the spiritual authority of the Church endures, even without a pope.
The ritual removal of Pope Francis’ symbols is a tradition observed in churches worldwide as part of Catholic protocol, preceding the conclave that will elect the next successor to St. Peter.