Touching reason why Pope Francis’ coffin will be lined with zinc
The burial arrangements for Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, have been made public. The specifics surrounding his funeral have been released.
On the 21st of April, Easter Monday, the head of the Catholic Church passed away, and the Vatican made the announcement of his passing.
After a thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that Pope Francis suffered a cerebral stroke, which tragically led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
On April 22, it was announced that the funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26. Leaders from around the globe will gather to honor and celebrate his extraordinary life.
In line with a final request made public by the Vatican, the details of Pope Francis’ burial have now been revealed. It has been disclosed that his coffin will be made of simple wood and lined with zinc, per his personal wish.
This decision marks a departure from the tradition followed by previous pontiffs, who were laid to rest in coffins crafted from materials such as cypress, lead, and oak.
Crisis magazine reports that zinc is often chosen for coffins as an economical solution that helps preserve the body for an extended period.
Meanwhile, coffin producers at Steve Soult Limited, who recently shared a video on TikTok addressing the topic, have revealed a deeply meaningful reason behind the use of zinc to line caskets.
In the video, they explained: “Zinc liners provide an additional layer of protection against external factors like water, insects, and other natural elements.”
They continued: “By safeguarding the coffin, these liners ensure that the memory of our loved ones remains undisturbed, offering us comfort in the knowledge that their resting place will withstand the passage of time.”
The company also emphasized: “The zinc liner slows the decomposition process, helping the body to deteriorate more naturally by shielding it from the external elements within the ground.”
Before his passing, Pope Francis expressed his final wish for a “simple” burial, “in the ground,” marked only with the inscription “Franciscus.” This was a heartfelt tribute to his papal name, chosen in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a figure revered for his humility and progressive outlook.
The late Pope’s wishes were outlined in a testament that he had prepared beforehand. Signed on June 29, 2022, his final directive reads:
“Being aware that the end of my earthly life is approaching, and with a profound belief in the promise of eternal life, I wish to state my final intentions regarding the place of my burial.”
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord, has been my constant source of trust and devotion throughout my life, from my time as a priest to my service as a bishop. Because of this, I humbly request that my mortal remains be laid to rest in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in the Vatican, where they will await the glorious day of the Resurrection.
“I wish for my final earthly journey to conclude in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always pause to pray at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and offering thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
The document continues, stating, “I request that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche located in the side aisle, between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as indicated in the attached plan.”
“The tomb should be buried in the ground, simple and unadorned, with no ornamentation, and it should bear only the inscription: ‘Franciscus.’”
A sum of money, generously donated by a benefactor, will cover the expenses for the preparation of my burial, and arrangements have been made for this amount to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
I have shared the necessary directives regarding this matter with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
To all those who have loved me and continue to pray for me, I pray that the Lord bestows upon them a reward that reflects the depth of their affection.
“The suffering that has marked the final chapter of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for the fraternity among all people.”
