Pope Francis
For centuries, the popes were buried in three coffins. However, Francisco changed the book that governs the funeral rites, ensuring that from now on, the popes will have only one coffin.
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a papal era in more than one meaning. Known for his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, the late pontiff made a final renovation that will forever change the way future popes are placed to rest: end Centenary tradition of burial in three coffins Nesty.
In line with his focus on humility, Pope Francis began changes in The Roman Pontiff o Book that rules the papal funeral rites. The updated version, published on November 29, 2024, eliminated some of the most elaborate elements of the papal funeral, including the traditional burial in three coffins.
For centuries, the popes were buried in a trio of symbolic coffins: a humble inner coffin cypressan intermediate enclosure lead and an outer coffin by Olmo or Carvalho.
Each layer had its own meaning. The Cypress Coffin represented humility and humanity and contained Symbolic bags with gold coinssilver and copper that marked the Pope’s years of service. The lead coffin, recorded with religious symbols and documents Dads served as much to honor the deceased and to preserve their remains. Finally, the outer coffin, often made of precious wood and sealed with gold and wax nails, was a final tribute to the dignity of the papal position, explains the.
This elaborate ritual preserved not only the Pope’s body, but also important church documents and artifacts for future generations. THE Pope Benedict XVIwho died in 2022, was the last pontiff to receive this funeral.
Francisco, however, ordered him and the future popes to be buried in a only zinc -covered wooden coffinemphasizing their role of spiritual servants and pastors and not worldly leaders. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of apostolic ceremonies, noted that Francis had repeatedly appealed to the simplest funeral rites “to better express the faith of the church in the risen Christ.”
The simplified burial reflects the legacy of Pope Francis of humility and a church that serves the people. Your body will rest in the Basilica of São Pedrowhere the faithful can pay their honor before the funeral this Saturday.
