| The three coffins | The inner coffin | The green pope |
| The traditional, three-nested papal coffins comprise: The inner cypress coffin, symbolizing humility, holds the pope’s body and personal items. The middle coffin, made of lead, preserves the body and secures important documents. And the outer coffin, crafted of elm or oak, ensures durability, symbolizes strength and honors the pope’s dignity. | The inner coffin traditionally includes coins minted during the pope’s reign and a rogito – a history of his key acts – written on parchment paper and placed in a brass or metal tube. Also included: a death certificate and other symbolic items — including his miter, pastoral staff, broken ring, and rosary. | The carbon footprint of the traditional three papal coffins varies depending on the materials and manufacturing processes involved. However, Pope Francis’s choice of a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to the traditional triple-coffined system. The zinc lining replaces the three-coffins’ cypress, lead, and elm protection. |
Sources:
- Kennedy, L. (2925, April 24). Why are popes traditionally buried in three coffins? HISTORY.
- Miller, S., Hjelmgaard, K., & Santucci, J. (2025, April 26). Pope Francis’ final farewell: A huge funeral, a humble burial. Live updates. USA TODAY.
Wonder if his rosary glows in the dark? 🤣
OMG. Remember these that we had?
This is fascinating. I had no idea.
Will glass coffins catch on? REMAINS TO BE SEEN.
I see what you did there! 😁
Just learned this, too: There have actually been 3 popes in glass coffins before. Here’s Pope John XXIII.