Why Popes Used to Be Buried in Three Coffins—and Why Pope Francis Stopped It

When a pope dies, it’s a big moment—not just for Catholics, but for people around the world. For a long time, one of the most interesting parts of a pope’s burial was the use of three coffins, placed one inside the other.

Each coffin had a special meaning. The first one, made of cypress wood, stood for simplicity and reminded people that the pope was human like everyone else. The second, often made of lead, was stronger and meant to show the lasting power of the Church. It also held a small bag of coins, as part of an old tradition. The third coffin, made of oak or another strong wood, was the final layer—offering protection and a sense of honor.

But in 2024, Pope Francis decided to stop this tradition. He chose to be buried in just one simple coffin, saying that the Church should focus more on being humble and less on grand ceremonies.

This change was in line with how Pope Francis lived his life—preferring simple things and wanting the Church to be closer to ordinary people. By ending the three-coffin burial, he sent a message: what matters most is how a person lives, not how fancy their funeral is.