Everything we thought we knew about how a Pope says goodbye is basically out the window. For centuries, when a Roman Pontiff died, the world saw a specific, almost theatrical image: the body laid out on a high, velvet-draped platform (a catafalque), dressed in the most ornate robes, surrounded by Swiss Guards. It was a display of power as much as it was a funeral.
But Pope Francis, true to form, has decided to tear up the script.
If you’ve been looking for details on a pope francis open casket, you’ve probably noticed some confusing headlines lately. Here is the reality: Francis has officially simplified the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis"—the Vatican’s rulebook for papal funerals. He doesn’t want the drama. He doesn’t want the "cushions." Honestly, he just wants to be treated like a normal bishop.
No More High Platforms: The Reality of the Pope Francis Open Casket
So, what does this actually look like? In the past, guys like John Paul II or Benedict XVI were displayed on that elevated bier. It made them look almost like they were floating above the crowd in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Francis has nixed that.
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According to the updated rites he approved in 2024, the pope francis open casket will be much more grounded. Literally. Instead of being placed on a high platform, his body will be placed directly inside a simple wooden coffin, which will remain open for the public viewing. This might seem like a small tweak, but in the world of Vatican protocol, it's a massive shift. It moves the focus from the "sovereign" to the "pastor."
The Three Coffins Are History
One of the weirdest papal traditions was the "triple coffin" thing. Traditionally, a Pope was buried in a cypress wood casket, which was then sealed inside a lead one, which was then tucked inside a third coffin made of elm or oak. It was like a set of holy nesting dolls.
Francis said no.
He’s opted for a single, zinc-lined wooden casket. That's it. It’s a move that saves time, money, and—more importantly for him—points toward the humility he’s preached for over a decade. He’s basically saying that even the Vicar of Christ is just a "son of the Church" when the day is done.
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Where Will He Be? (Hint: Not the Vatican)
This is the part that really shocks the traditionalists. Most people assume every Pope ends up in the grottoes beneath St. Peter's. You know, near the tomb of the Apostle Peter himself.
Not this time.
Francis has already confirmed he wants to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s a place he loves. He goes there before and after every single international trip to pray before the icon of Salus Populi Romani. It’s a "people’s basilica" right in the heart of Rome, far away from the marble halls of the Vatican.
What Happens During the Viewing?
If you were to walk into the basilica during the public viewing phase, here’s what you’d actually see:
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- The Pope in red vestments (the color of mourning for a Pope).
- A white miter on his head.
- The pallium (that wool stole around his neck) to signify his role as bishop.
- The coffin left open so people can say their final goodbyes.
But don’t expect the usual pomp. He’s asked for the prayers to be simplified and the "superfluous" rituals to be cut. Even the confirmation of death—historically a very formal affair in the papal bedroom—will now happen in his private chapel at the Casa Santa Marta.
Why This Matters for the Rest of Us
It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of "Vatican-speak," but these changes to the pope francis open casket and the surrounding rites are a statement. He’s trying to ensure that the papacy isn't seen as a royal court.
Back in late 2024 and early 2025, the Vatican master of ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, made it clear: the goal is to show the Pope as a "disciple of Christ" and not a "powerful man of this world."
Some people think it’s a great move—bringing the Church back to its roots. Others? They worry we’re losing the "sacredness" of the office. It’s a classic Francis-era debate. But whatever your take, the next papal funeral is going to look nothing like the ones we’ve seen on TV before.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the News:
- Watch the Location: When the time comes, don't look for the burial in St. Peter's. Follow the news toward Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Expect a "Normal" Funeral: If you see a simple wooden box on the floor instead of a gold-trimmed stage, that’s not a mistake. That’s the plan.
- Ignore the "Triple Coffin" Myths: Any report talking about lead and oak and cypress being soldered together is using the old 1998 rulebook. Those days are over.
Ultimately, these changes reflect a man who lived in a small apartment instead of a palace. He’s making sure that his final act on earth matches the life he lived. Simple, direct, and focused on the basics.