As the world continues to mourn Pope Francis, questions have been raised about the process that takes place to bury a leader of his stature.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after a month-long battle with pneumonia.
The pope’s burial process entails a ritual rich in symbolism and tradition.
Pope to be buried using 3 coffins. Photo: Courtesy.
The Pope’s funeral is typically expected to be held four to six days after his passing at St Peter’s Square.
The late Pope’s body will be washed, then dressed in red and white papal vestments before being placed in a dignified setting for public viewing.
Thousands of faithful and other dignitaries are expected to pay their last respects at St Peter’s Basilica.
Talking of the coffins to be used, the Pope is expected to be buried in line with a tradition involving three coffins.
One of the coffins made of cypress wood to represent humility, where the Pope’s body will lie.
His body will be placed along with a white silk veil over his face, along with a lead tube containing a written biography detailing his life and legacy.
After sealing of the cypress coffin, it will be placed within a second coffin made of zinc or lead.
This coffin is airtight to represent the Pope’s everlasting spiritual legacy.
This coffin will be enclosed in a third coffin made of oak wood.
This third coffin has an extremely strong outer layer to protect the other two coffins and is marked with a gold cross and the papal coat of arms.
The late Pope Francis was the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
His passing was confirmed by Vatican News.
