Pope Francis has decided to forgo the traditional elaborate burial rites of his predecessors in favor of a more modest approach. The 87-year-old pontiff has chosen to be laid to rest in a single wooden casket lined with zinc, breaking from the centuries-old practice of interring popes in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead, and oak. The Vatican announced this decision on Wednesday, unveiling a new formal rite that reflects Francis’ vision of a more humble Church. The new edition of the liturgical book was presented following its predecessor, the “editio typica” of the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis.”
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, stated that a second edition of the liturgical book became necessary due to Pope Francis’ request to simplify and adapt certain rites so that the funeral of the Bishop of Rome better expresses the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ. The new edition also emphasizes the funeral of the Roman Pontiff as that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, rather than that of a powerful figure in the world. Additionally, Pope Francis has requested to be buried at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, becoming the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican grounds.
Francis’ decision to reject the traditional practice of using three caskets, which creates an airtight seal and accommodates objects like coins or papal documents, is part of his broader effort to simplify papal customs. Instead of having his body displayed on a raised platform in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, as is customary, visitors will still be able to pay their respects with his body remaining inside the casket with the lid removed. Despite health challenges that require him to use a wheelchair, Francis has maintained a busy schedule, including leading significant international trips and Vatican summits.
The new burial rite for the Pope, approved by Francis and unveiled by the Vatican, reflects his desire for a more modest Church and simpler funeral rites. The decision to reject the traditional three-casket practice and request burial outside the Vatican grounds at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major marks a significant departure from longstanding customs. The Archbishop of Apostolic Ceremonies emphasized the need to simplify and adapt certain rites to better express the faith of the Church in the Risen Christ, as requested by Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, who will turn 88 next month, has made no secret of his health challenges, including knee and back pain that now require him to use a wheelchair. Despite these limitations, he has maintained a busy schedule, leading international trips and Vatican summits. Last year, the pontiff expressed his desire to simplify the intricate and lengthy funeral rites traditionally used for popes. This decision to modernize and simplify burial rites may be seen as part of his broader efforts to reform and update papal customs in line with his vision of a more humble and inclusive Church.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ decision to reject traditional burial rites in favor of a more modest approach reflects his vision of a simpler and more humble Church. The new burial rite approved by Francis, which includes being buried in a single wooden casket lined with zinc and buried outside the Vatican grounds at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, marks a significant departure from longstanding customs. Despite health challenges, the 87-year-old pontiff has maintained a busy schedule, leading international trips and Vatican summits. This decision to modernize and simplify papal customs may be seen as part of his broader efforts to reform and update the Catholic Church in accordance with his vision of a more inclusive and compassionate institution.
