Pope Francis rejects tradition, opts for humble wooden casket and burial outside Vatican
Pope Francis has made a groundbreaking announcement that he will depart from the traditional elaborate burial rites of his predecessors, opting for a more modest and simplified approach. When the time comes, the 87-year-old pontiff has chosen to be laid to rest in a single wooden casket lined with zinc, breaking away from the centuries-old practice of interring popes in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead, and oak.
The Vatican revealed this decision on Wednesday, unveiling a new formal rite that aligns with Francis’ vision of a more humble and accessible Catholic Church. Pope Francis approved a new edition of the liturgical rites in April of this year and was presented with the first copy of the printed volume on November 4th.
The new edition of the liturgical book marks a departure from its predecessor, the “editio typica” or “typical edition” of the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis” or “Order of Roman Pontifical Funerals.” This previous edition was approved in 1998 by Saint John Paul II and was utilized in the funeral rites of both Saint John Paul II in 2005 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2023 with some adaptations.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, explained the necessity of a second edition, stating that Pope Francis had requested it to simplify and adapt certain rites to better express the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ. The renewed rite also aims to emphasize that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ rather than a powerful figure of this world.
In a historic move, Pope Francis will be the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican grounds. He has chosen to be laid to rest at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, a church where he frequently seeks solace in prayer before and after his international travels. The last pope to be buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII in 1903, who rests at Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran.
By rejecting the traditional three-casket practice and opting for a single casket, Pope Francis is continuing his efforts to simplify papal customs. His body will not be displayed on a raised platform in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, as has been customary. Instead, visitors will have the opportunity to pay their respects while his body remains inside the casket with the lid removed.
Despite facing health challenges and using a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, Pope Francis has maintained a busy schedule, including leading significant Vatican summits and embarking on international trips. His desire to simplify the intricate and lengthy funeral rites for popes reflects his commitment to a more humble and accessible Church.
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