Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and when it happens in a foreign country, it can be even more challenging. If you’re in Rome and someone you know passes away, here’s what you need to know to navigate the process.

Notify the Authorities

The first step is to notify the authorities. If the death occurs in a hospital or care facility, the staff will take care of this for you. If the death occurs at home, you will need to call the police or the emergency services. They will come to the location and take care of the necessary paperwork.

Contact the Embassy

If the deceased is a foreign national, it’s important to contact the embassy or consulate of their country. The embassy will be able to provide assistance with repatriation of the body, and can also provide support and advice to the family.

Choose a Funeral Home

Once the authorities have been notified, it’s time to choose a funeral home. There are many options in Rome, and it’s important to choose a reputable provider. Your embassy or consulate may be able to provide a list of recommended funeral homes.

Arranging the Funeral

The funeral home will take care of all the arrangements for the funeral. They will be able to advise you on the options available, including cremation or burial. If the deceased is a Catholic, it’s likely that the funeral will be held in a church. If not, the funeral home will be able to suggest other suitable locations.

Religious Services

If the deceased was Catholic, it’s important to contact the local parish priest to arrange a funeral mass. The priest will be able to provide guidance on the service, including readings and hymns.

Non-Religious Services

If the deceased was not religious, there are still options for a meaningful service. The funeral home may be able to provide a celebrant to lead a non-religious ceremony. Alternatively, you may wish to hold a memorial service at a location that was significant to the deceased.

After the Funeral

After the funeral, there are a few administrative tasks that need to be taken care of.

Death Certificate

The funeral home will provide you with a death certificate. This is an important document that you will need to provide to various organizations, including the embassy, banks, and insurance companies.

Repatriation

If the deceased was a foreign national, the embassy will be able to provide assistance with repatriation of the body. This can be a complex process, and it’s important to work with a reputable funeral home and embassy to ensure that everything is taken care of properly.

Legal Matters

If the deceased had assets in Italy, it’s important to seek legal advice to ensure that their affairs are in order. This may involve working with a lawyer or notary to handle matters such as wills and inheritance.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but with the right support and guidance, you can navigate the process in Rome. Remember to reach out to the authorities, embassy, and funeral home for assistance, and take care of the necessary administrative tasks after the funeral.