Media: Francis breaks 100-year papal burial tradition

Pope Francis’ funeral will take place in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Photo: Vatican News

Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Before that, his body will lie in repose at St. Peter’s Basilica for the faithful to pay their respects, according to the BBC.

In his will, Pope Francis requested that his funeral resemble that of an ordinary Christian more than that of a pontiff. His body will be displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica not on an open bier, but inside a coffin with the lid removed.

He also declined the traditional ceremonial sealing of the coffin and the custom of placing inside it coins minted during his pontificate and a brief written summary of his deeds.

Pope Francis chose a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. Traditionally, popes have been buried in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. He asked to be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome – outside the Vatican. He also requested a modest, unadorned tomb.

By doing so, he broke with a tradition that has lasted more than a hundred years. The Basilica of Saint Mary Major held special spiritual significance for the Pope – he prayed there before and after every journey.

Earlier, the UOJ reported on what Pope Francis was like.

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