Pope Francis has expressed his wish to be buried in a simple wooden coffin when the time comes…
In a newly released ceremonial document on November 20, the Vatican announced that the Pope wants to avoid the traditional practice of burying popes in three interlinked coffins made of cypress, oak, and lead. Instead, he has requested to be buried in a simple coffin lined with zinc, as reported by Reuters.
The Pope has also decided that his body should not be displayed on an elevated pedestal in St. Peter’s Basilica, as has been the custom for previous popes. Instead, his body will rest in a coffin with the lid open.
He has expressed a desire to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
The last pope to be buried outside the Vatican was Pope Leo XIII, who passed away in 1903 and was laid to rest in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
Pope Francis, who will turn 88 on December 17, has recently experienced health challenges. Due to knee and back pain, he often uses a wheelchair.
