Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, was laid to rest in a manner that reflected his commitment to humility and simplicity. Departing from traditional papal funeral customs, several distinctive features marked his coffin and burial arrangements.
1. Single Wooden Coffin Instead of Three
Traditionally, popes are interred in a sequence of three caskets—cypress, lead, and oak—to ensure an airtight seal and accommodate objects like coins or papal documents. However, Pope Francis chose to be buried in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin, aligning with his preference for simplicity over ceremonial grandeur.
2. Open Coffin for Public Viewing
In contrast to previous popes, whose bodies were displayed atop a raised platform (catafalque), Pope Francis’s body remained inside the open casket during public viewing. This arrangement allowed mourners to pay their respects while reflecting the Pope’s desire for a modest and accessible farewell.
3. Burial Outside the Vatican
Pope Francis became the first pope in over a century to be buried outside Vatican grounds. He requested interment at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, a church he frequently visited to pray before and after his international trips, emphasizing his personal connection to the site.
4. Inclusion of Personal and Symbolic Items
Prior to sealing the coffin, a bag containing coins minted during his papacy and a one-page written account of his papacy—a “rogito”—were placed inside. These items serve as a testament to his tenure and personal legacy.
5. Coat of Arms and Personal Motto
The coffin bore the papal coat of arms, which featured a shield and the monogram of his Jesuit order, along with the motto “Miserando atque eligendo” (“Having had mercy, he called him”). This emblematic design reflected his Jesuit identity and pastoral approach.
These distinctive choices in Pope Francis’s final arrangements underscore his enduring commitment to humility and simplicity, setting a precedent for future papal funerals.
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