Pope Francis Chooses Simple Burial Plan

Pope Francis has chosen to be buried in a simple wooden casket lined with zinc, moving away from the traditional practice of using three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead, and oak. This decision aligns with his vision to modernize and simplify the Catholic Church's customs, reflecting a more modest approach to papal funerals. The Vatican's announcement confirmed that he will not be displayed on a raised platform in St. Peter's Basilica; instead, his body will be placed inside the casket with the lid removed for public viewing. Additionally, Francis has opted to be buried at Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major, making him the first pope in over a century to be interred outside the Vatican. This change follows Francis's ongoing efforts to reduce the pomp associated with the papacy, as he also seeks to emphasize the role of the pope as a servant of the Church rather than a figure of worldly power.