No catafalque, no three coffins, no crozier: Why Pope Francis has renounced 3 key elements of the Catholic liturgy

During his papacy, Francis has been one of the most revolutionary pontiffs in living memory, known for his innovations and for having renounced some of the Holy See’s most deeply rooted traditions. Even his funeral, which will take place this Saturday, April 26, will be different from those seen to date, as his will included some conditions that break with Catholic liturgy.

And if we look back at the burials of previous bishops of Rome, such as John Paul II and Benedict XVI, we can see how their bodies were placed on a catafalque, a type of ornate platform. However, this time will be different, as Pope Francis has requested that the liturgy of the three coffins not be followed nor that a catafalque be used at his funeral. He has also rejected the crosier, a symbol of papal power.

Farewell to Several Traditional Elements

Historically, the catafalque has been used at burials held at the Holy See to symbolize the delivery of the Pope’s body to his faithful before his departure for heaven. For this reason, it is a raised platform covered with highly decorated fabrics that is placed at the center of the ceremony.

Another of the main traditions at the Papal funeral is the liturgy of the three coffins. This protocol dictates that when a bishop of Rome dies, his body must rest in three different coffins: the first made of cypress wood, the second of lead to be sealed, and the third of oak to be sent to the Vatican Grottoes.

Pope Francis has rejected both elements, and as if that weren’t enough, he has also renounced the papal crosier, a staff-like insignia that represents the Pontiff’s pastoral authority.

Why he is renouncing these elements

In recent years, Pope Francis has stood out for his humility and simplicity, two values ​​that will be present until his funeral. In his will, the Supreme Pontiff requested a simple tomb with the sole inscription “Franciscus.” Ultimately, he wants a simple and discreet ceremony, without excess and in keeping with the austerity and humility of his pontificate.

There will be no catafalque, and instead the tomb will be placed in the ground, undecorated and open. In keeping with this idea of ​​holding a simple burial, there will also be no symbols of power such as the crosier or any elements that attract attention.

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