Why Will Pope Benedict XVI Be Buried In Three Coffins?

In February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope in 600 years to abdicate. Since that time he had been living in Vatican City as Pope Emeritus.

On December 31, 2022 Pope Benedict died at the age of 95. Though he was no longer "the Pope," he was a Pope Emeritus. Therefore, his funeral will follow the same guidelines for an active Pope as laid out in the "Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff."

Part of the ritual of burying a Pope includes "the ritual of three coffins." The first is a cypress wood coffin and it symbolises humility and that the Pope was an ordinary human being. Included in the coffin will be a copy of the funeral mass and bags of gold, silver and copper coins. The number of coins in each bag match the number of years he was Pope.

The cypress coffin is the put into a lead coffin. Included in this coffin is a copy of documents he issued under his papal seal. The lead coffin will soldered shut and have his name, dates of the papacy and a skull and crossbones engraved on top.

The third and final coffin is an elm coffin. Elm is rare in Rome and is meant to represent dignity. This coffin includes a parchment in a copper tube with a list of the Pontiff's achievements. This coffin is then sealed with golden nails.

When each coffin is sealed, it is wrapped with two violet silk ropes. Then it is sealed with wax and coat of arms of the chamberlain and the Cardinal Dean.

Pope Benedict requested a simple, somber mass. Also, per his request, he will be buried in the Vatican crypt in Pope John Paul II's former tomb. Saint John XXIII was also buried in this spot which is 100 feet from the tomb of the first pope, Saint Peter the Apostle. Queen Christina of Sweden, is buried immediately to the right of the spot.

Pope Benedict XVI's funeral will be held on Thursday, January 5 at 9:30 am, Rome time. Pope Francis will preside.