The burial of a pope is one of the most sacred and symbolic rituals in the Catholic Church. For centuries, deceased popes have been laid to rest in three coffins, each with a special meaning.
The first coffin, made of cypress wood, holds the pope’s body. Inside it are placed three small bags one each of silver, gold, and copper coins representing the number of years the pope served. A copy of the funeral homily is also included.
The cypress coffin reflects humility, showing that the pope is a human being like anyone else. It is tied with silk ribbons before being placed in the second coffin.
The second coffin, made of lead, is sealed shut. It is engraved with the pope’s name, years of service, and a skull and crossbones an ancient Christian symbol known as memento mori, meaning “remember you must die.” This reminds the faithful of life’s temporary nature.
Important Church documents and the pope’s broken official seal are also placed inside.
The final, outer coffin is made of elm, a valuable wood that symbolizes the dignity and honor of the pope’s office. This coffin is nailed shut with golden nails.
Before burial, a list of the pope’s achievements is read aloud, then rolled into a parchment scroll and sealed in a copper tube placed inside the coffin.
Each coffin is wrapped in violet silk cords and sealed with wax stamps bearing the symbols of key Church leaders.
This age-old tradition reflects both the humility and greatness of the man who led the Catholic Church, and helps preserve vital records of his papacy.
By Nairobi