This is the simple coffin that Pope Francis himself wanted to die

Pope Francis left his body arranged that his body was buried in a simple way, consistent with the sober style that marked his entire pontificate.

Unlike the tradition that governed for centuries in the Vatican, the pontiff will not be buried in a triple coffin this Saturday, April 26, but in one, of wood with zinc coating.

According to the journalist Javier Martínez-Brocal in his book Conclave: The rules to choose the next Popethis decision represents a significant change with respect to the previous regulations: “Francisco established in 2024 that the potatoes are buried in a zinc coffin, as used in coffins of those who wish to be buried and not incinerated.”

Until then, as Brocal details, the norm established that the pontiff was buried in a triple coffin: “The remains of the pontiff were deposed for funeral in a first wooden coffin. Before the grave, the cof Liturgical.

The new rite, introduced by Francisco, reflects an option for austerity and closeness with the people. The Pope’s body is covered with red liturgical ornaments – color of martyrdom and the Holy Spirit -, the miter, the canopy and a rosary intertwined in his hands. Instead of being exposed in the traditional caution (Death bed), as was the case with John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the body is placed directly in an open, simple and without almohadons coffin.

Another significant difference is that an exhibition is no longer made in the Apostolic Palace. The body is immediately transferred to the Basilica of San Pedro, avoiding intermediate steps.

Finally, the coffin, covered with the funeral cloth, is taken to the place of burial. Although for more than a century the potatoes have been buried in the Vatican crypt, Francisco asked to be buried in the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, as a sign of his deep Marian devotion. It was there that he went to the day after his choice as Pope, and where he entrusted each of his apostolic trips.