Pope Francis's funeral plans were much simpler than those of earlier popes. He chose a basic wooden coffin with zinc lining instead of the traditional three nested coffins made from cypress, lead, and oak. The pope skipped the old custom of having the body sit on a raised platform called a catafalque for public viewing in St Peter's Basilica. Visitors will say goodbye to him with his body remaining inside the open coffin.
Francis broke another long tradition with his burial location. He picked the Basilica of St Mary Major as his final resting place, making him the first pope in over 100 years to be buried outside Vatican grounds. This basilica stands as one of four major papal churches in Rome. His decisions reflect his lifelong preference for simplicity and moving away from elaborate ceremonies.
Francis broke another long tradition with his burial location. He picked the Basilica of St Mary Major as his final resting place, making him the first pope in over 100 years to be buried outside Vatican grounds. This basilica stands as one of four major papal churches in Rome. His decisions reflect his lifelong preference for simplicity and moving away from elaborate ceremonies.
