The Triple Coffin Secret: 7 Shocking Details About The Pope In Casket Tradition And Pope Francis's Radical Change

The image of a deceased Pope lying in state is one of the most solemn and public spectacles in the world, yet the journey of the pontiff's body into its final resting place is shrouded in centuries of secret, sacred ritual. As of late 2025, the world continues to reflect on the most recent papal funeral, that of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, which adhered to the astonishing and highly symbolic tradition of the "triple coffin"—a practice that has now been radically overhauled by his successor, Pope Francis. This deep dive explores the mesmerizing and often-overlooked details of the traditional papal casket and reveals the profound, historic changes that will define the next papal funeral, eliminating a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.

The ceremonial sealing of a Pope in his casket is far more than a simple burial; it is a meticulously choreographed rite symbolizing the transition of power and the eternal nature of the Petrine ministry. From the specific materials used—cypress, zinc, and oak—to the placement of personal mementos and historic documents, every step is laden with theological and historical significance. Understanding the traditional papal casket provides a crucial context for appreciating the revolutionary simplicity that Pope Francis has mandated for his own funeral rites, moving away from royal pomp toward a more humble, pastoral farewell.

The Biography of the Last Pope to Use the Triple Casket: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

• Birth Name: Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger
• Born: April 16, 1927, in Marktl, Bavaria, Germany
• Died: December 31, 2022, at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, Vatican City
• Ordination: June 29, 1951
• Cardinalate: Created Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria Consolatrice al Tiburtino by Pope Paul VI on June 27, 1977.
• Key Role Before Papacy: Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (1981–2005)
• Papacy: Elected Pope on April 19, 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II.
• Resignation: Announced his resignation on February 11, 2013, citing a lack of strength of mind and body, effective February 28, 2013. He was the first Pope to resign in nearly 600 years.
• Title After Resignation: Pope Emeritus
• Funeral: Held on January 5, 2023, in St. Peter's Square, presided over by Pope Francis.
• Burial Location: The Vatican Grottoes, in the tomb previously occupied by Pope John Paul II.

The Seven Secrets of the Traditional Triple Coffin

The "triple coffin" or "triple casket" tradition is a hallmark of a deceased Pope's burial, a practice steeped in history and symbolism that was last fully executed for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. This highly specific process involves three distinct layers of caskets, each serving a unique and profound purpose.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

1. The Inner Cypress Casket: The Symbol of Simplicity and Mortality

The first and innermost casket is made of cypress wood. Cypress is a light, fragrant, and durable wood that, in ancient times, was associated with incorruptibility and eternity, often used for sarcophagi. After the public viewing (lying in state), the Pope's body, dressed in his full papal vestments, is placed inside this cypress coffin. The use of this simple wood immediately after the grand public ceremony is a powerful reminder of the pontiff’s human mortality and the humility required for his final rest. This inner coffin is then sealed with red ribbons.

2. The Middle Zinc Casket: The Impermeable Seal of Preservation

The second layer is a zinc casket, which is hermetically sealed. Zinc, or lead in older traditions, serves a critical, practical purpose: to create an airtight, waterproof, and impermeable barrier. This ensures the best possible preservation of the body and the inner cypress coffin over centuries. This metal layer also symbolizes the enduring nature of the Pope’s office and the importance of his remains to the Church. The zinc casket is soldered shut and then inscribed with the Pope’s name, the dates of his birth and death, and his years of pontificate.

3. The Outer Oak or Elm Casket: The Symbol of Dignity and Authority

The third and final layer is the grand outer casket, typically made of dark, richly decorated oak or elm wood. This is the coffin that the world sees carried into St. Peter’s Basilica for the funeral Mass and then lowered into the papal grottoes. This heavy, noble wood signifies the dignity of the papal office and the authority of the deceased as the Vicar of Christ. It is a final, majestic presentation of the shepherd to his flock before the final entombment.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

4. The Burial Mementos: Coins, Medals, and the *Rogito*

Before the cypress casket is sealed, two specific items are placed inside: the coins and medals minted during his pontificate, and a sealed document known as the *Rogito*. The coins and medals are placed in a small velvet bag and symbolize the wealth and time of his reign. The *Rogito* is a concise, official document summarizing the Pope's life and his most important acts as pontiff, written in Latin. This is rolled up and placed in a metal cylinder, then placed inside the coffin, acting as a historical record for future generations.

5. The Role of the Camerlengo: The Sealing of the Coffin

The final, solemn act of sealing the caskets is overseen by the Cardinal Camerlengo (Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church). The Camerlengo is the cardinal who takes charge of the Holy See’s temporal affairs immediately after the Pope’s death. He presides over the rite of closing the coffin, which is a pivotal moment that formally ends the Pope's reign and begins the period of the *Sede Vacante* (vacant seat).

6. Placement in the Papal Grottoes: A Return to the Tomb of the Fisherman

Following the funeral Mass, the triple casket is carried down into the Vatican Grottoes, which lie beneath St. Peter's Basilica. This is the final resting place for many Popes, placed near the traditional tomb of St. Peter himself. Pope Benedict XVI was interred in the tomb previously occupied by Pope John Paul II, who was later moved to a chapel above the grottoes after his beatification.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

7. The Cypress Coffin is Tied with Red Ribbons

A final, visually striking detail is the use of red ribbons to tie the inner cypress coffin shut. This is a symbolic gesture, often accompanied by the seal of the deceased Pope and the seal of the Apostolic Camera (the Camerlengo’s office), further certifying the identity and integrity of the remains before they are placed within the zinc shell.

Pope Francis's Radical Revision: Eliminating the Triple Coffin Tradition

In a move that underscores his commitment to humility and simplicity, Pope Francis has personally revised the papal funeral rites, eliminating the centuries-old tradition of the triple coffin. This is one of the most significant changes to papal burial customs in modern history, reflecting his desire for a less ostentatious and more pastoral farewell.

A Shift to a Single, Simple Casket

Under the new rites, a deceased Pope will be buried in a single, zinc-lined wooden casket, rather than the three-layered structure. This simplification is a clear break from the imperial-style pomp that has long characterized papal funerals. The change aligns with Francis’s overall vision for a "poor Church, for the poor," stripping away the elaborate layers of tradition that can sometimes overshadow the spiritual message.

Elimination of the Elevated Bier

Another major change is the elimination of the *Canaletto*, or the elevated bier (sometimes called a "death bed"), on which the Pope's body was traditionally displayed before being placed in the casket. Instead, the body will be immediately placed inside an open, simple coffin for the public viewing (lying in state) in St. Peter's Basilica. This change provides a more direct and humble presentation of the deceased pontiff to the faithful.

The New Rites as a Blueprint for Humility

Pope Francis's revised funeral rites, which he approved in 2023, are a powerful statement about the nature of the papacy in the 21st century. By choosing a simplified, single-casket burial, he is intentionally creating a precedent that emphasizes the Pope as a humble servant of God, rather than a monarch. This change will be the defining characteristic of the next papal funeral, marking a profound and lasting shift in how the Church honors its deceased leaders. The new rites maintain the core spiritual elements while shedding the excess of historical ceremony, ensuring that the focus remains on prayer and transition, not on the trappings of power.