The reason why Popes are buried in 3 coffins and the reason why Pope Francis will be buried in one instead of 3.
Following the death of Pope Francis, Vatican officials confirmed that he would be buried in a single coffin, marking the first time in modern history that a pope would not follow the three-coffin tradition.
Traditionally, deceased popes have been interred in three coffins—one of cypress, one of lead, and an outer elm coffin—each representing humility, preservation, and the dignity of the papal office.
According to ABC News, the innermost cypress coffin usually holds a copy of the funeral Mass eulogy and three bags of coins representing the years of the Pope’s service.
Once sealed, it is placed inside the lead coffin, which bears the Pope’s name, the dates of his papacy, and a memento mori engraving, a reminder of human mortality. The lead coffin also contains significant papal documents and his broken seal of office, protecting them for historical preservation. Lastly, this is encased within an elm coffin, which is nailed shut with golden nails, representing the authority and prestige of the papacy.
Vatican sources revealed that Pope Francis would be buried in a single coffin, likely containing a document outlining his pontificate and a bag of coins commemorating his papal years.
This decision aligns with Pope Francis’ philosophy of humility, avoiding lavish ceremonies in favour of a simpler farewell, mirroring his lifelong commitment to modesty and service. Preserving Papal legacy despite change in ritual While this break from tradition may surprise many Catholics, Vatican historians assure that Pope Francis’ legacy and teachings will remain preserved beyond the burial process.
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