Why are the Pope traditionally buried in three coffins – and why Francis broke with the tradition

Short

• Papi are traditionally buried in three embedded ark: cypress, lead and oak

• Pope Francis approved reforms in 2024 that eliminated this ritual by choosing simplicity

• The change reflects the emphasis on Francis’ life on humility and pastoral leadership

Los Angeles – Pope Francis’ decision to simplify his funeral rituals – including the breaking up with the tradition of being buried in three separate coffins – pays attention to one of the most emblematic funeral customs of the Vatican and what his changes say about his inheritance.

The ritual of three buckets, penetrating the traditions of tradition, symbolizes both holiness and the authority of the papacy. But Francis, in accordance with its many years of rejection of papal greatness, approved the new rites last year that completely eliminated practice.

Why were the Pope were buried in three coffins

History

For generations, the Vatican tradition dictated that the pope should be buried in a set of three coffins: a casket for cypress, symbolizing humility and mortality, a lead casket to preserve the remains and preventing a seasoning, and finally an outer casket of oak, reflecting dignity and power.

This triple-complex ritual was part of a wider display of the Pope’s double role as a spiritual shepherd and a global figure. In death, the symbolism conveyed a deep reverence – and for some critics, the unmistakable air of power.

What changed and why

You deeper

In 2024, Pope Francis approved reforms to the funeral rites in “Ordo Exequiarum Romani Pontificis” or “Rite of the Roman Pontiphi Funeral”, simplifying several elements. Among them: scrapping of the triple ark in favor of a more funeral funeral with the help of a wooden casket with zinc interior.

Monsignor Diego Raveli, the master of the Vatican for the liturgical ceremonies, explained that the reforms were intended to “emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman pontiff was that of a shepherd and a disciple of Christ, not of a powerful man from this world.”

Francis also eliminated the requirement to place his body raised in the Basil’s Basilica of St. Peter, and instead chose a simpler display, directly facing the lava, accompanied by Easter’s candle.

Humility

Why you should take care of

Francis’ decision to abandon the traditional funeral rituals fits into a broader model that has determined his papacy.

After his election in 2013, the Argentine Jesuit escaped from luxury, living in the Vatican Guest House Santa Martha instead of in the Apostolic Palace and driving modest vehicles. He has often described himself primarily as a “bishop of Rome”, and his funeral reforms enhance this image.

He also chose a place for a funeral outside the Vatican – the Basilica of St. Maria Major – where he regularly prays before the Salus Populi Romani icon after international trips. “This is my great devotion,” Francis said in an interview with 2023 with the Mexican operator N+.

The remaining funeral rites remain intact

What’s next

Despite these changes, other key moments in the papal funeral tradition remain in force.

After the Pope’s death, the body is examined, dressed in red liturgical clothes and puts in his personal chapel for an official death declaration. Camerlengo – Current Cardinal Kevin Farrell – chaired the process. The Pope’s ark includes a bag of coins carved during his papacy, and a short biography known as the “horn”, which is placed inside a metal pipe.

Related: Pope Francis’ death: what do I know about his funeral and funeral

The funeral itself is usually chaired by the Dean of the Cardinals College or another senior priest. After the funeral, the church observed a nine -day mourning period known as “Novemdiales” before the conclave began to choose a new pope.

Source

This article is based on the reporting by the Associated Press, including a prehistory of papal traditions for funeral and reflecting the updated funeral rites of the Vatican, approved by Pope Francis in 2024.