Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, and the Vatican has confirmed that his funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26. It is anticipated that world leaders and devout Catholics from all around the world will attend the service.
On Easter Monday, April 21, the late leader of the Catholic Church died quietly. He died after a brain stroke, which caused irreparable heart failure and a coma, according to official records. Vatican officials delivered the sobering news, which signaled the end of a chapter in the Church’s history and the start of a global time of sadness and remembering.
Pope Francis had long expressed his desires for a simple and dignified funeral in a way that profoundly represented his own values. Pope Francis asked for a straightforward wooden coffin coated with zinc, in contrast to the customary papal funeral practices that involve coffins made of cypress, oak, and lead.
This particular element, both pragmatic and symbolic, demonstrates the humility he promoted during his pontificate. Zinc is frequently utilized in coffins to increase longevity and shield the body from the elements, according to sources like Crisis Magazine. In addition to being economical, this measure has strong symbolic meaning.
Zinc liners “provide an additional layer of protection against external factors such as water, insects, and other natural elements,” according to coffin producers Steve Soult Limited, guaranteeing that the burial place is left undisturbed. “The zinc liner slows the process and aids the body to deteriorate in a more natural way,” they explained, offering those left behind both emotional and physical solace.
Pope Francis outlined his dying wishes in a testament signed on June 29, 2022, with profound spiritual meaning and poignant clarity. He frequently stopped to pray before and after his worldwide travels, and the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome is his favored resting place.
The Pope remarked, “I wish my last earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray… confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
The only inscription on his simple, unadorned tomb will be “Franciscus,” a silent nod to both his papal name and St. Francis of Assisi, whose compassion and simplicity the Pope modeled throughout his life.
According to his testament, Pope Francis sincerely offered his last sufferings “to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.” It is a message that reflects the core of his pontificate, which is based on communication, compassion, and an unwavering appeal for world peace.
Millions of people worldwide are anticipated to unite in prayer and remembering as his funeral arrangements get underway. His death not only signifies the end of a pontificate but also the end of a life that had an impact on those outside of the Vatican.