The death of a pope is a significant event, marked by centuries-old burial traditions involving three symbolic coffins.
Cypress coffin signifies humility, containing coins and a biography, symbolizing the pope's mortality.
Lead coffin preserves remains and papal documents, engraved with the pope's name and a memento mori.
Elm or oak coffin represents papal dignity, sealed with achievements for posterity.
Pope Francis has since abolished the three-coffin ritual in 2024, opting for simplicity and pastoral identity.
Francis' final wish: to be buried at St. Mary Major, reflecting his devotion and humble approach.