File photo of a burial mass of a Pope
The burial of Popes, for many centuries, has followed a rich tradition of symbolism, reverence and rituals.
This long-standing practice reflects the reverence the Catholic Church has for the papal office and its role in guiding the global Catholic faithful.
According to a report by European Catholics in English, the three separate coffins used to bury the Pope are symbolic.
The first coffin made of cypress wood; an evergreen tree symbolises eternal life.
“The Pope’s body is first placed in a simple casket made of cypress wood, which is referred to as the inner coffin, which symbolises incorruptibility and humility – it represents eternal life as the cypress is an evergreen tree. It is also an expression of evangelical poverty, reflecting the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, and reminding us that not even the successor of Peter takes anything with him”, it noted.
The report further noted that the second coffin, referred to as the middle coffin, is made of lead.
It also represents the firmness of doctrine and the immortality of the Pope’s legacy.
“Important documents are placed here, such as a copy of his last Will and a brief biography of his pontificate. Lead, as a long-lasting metal, reminds us that the Pope’s magisterium is part of the living tradition of the church,” it noted.
The third coffin, which is made of noble wood (usually oak or walnut) also represents human dignity, and is also referred to as the outer coffin.
It is the one that is normally seen during the funeral.
“The entire structure is enclosed in a dignified outer coffin of noble wood. This is the coffin visible during the funeral rites, and it represents human dignity and the reverence due to the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit,” the report added.
Together, these three coffins encapsulate the Pope’s journey, his humility in life, strength in doctrine and dignity in death.
True to his identity as a reformist, Pope Francis has opted for a simple burial, instead of the triple-coffin setup.
He asked that he be interred in a plain wooden coffin lined with zinc.
Reports indicate that this choice embodies the values that defined his papacy since 2013.
The Pope chose a modest lifestyle, living at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse over the grand Apostolic Palace.
He favoured simple garments and transportation, often shunning limousines for compact cars.
His humble lifestyle extended into death, as he made it clear that he did not wish for pomp or grandeur.
Another personal request was to be buried not beneath St Peter’s Basilica, like most of his predecessors, but at the Basilica of St Mary Major.
The head of the Catholic Church passed away on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025) at the age of 88.
His cause of death has since been revealed as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
He will be buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
JKB/AE
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