The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, announced that when he is buried, his body will not be displayed to a vigil, nor will there be an ornate wooden pyre that supports the coffin of dignitaries at Catholic funerals.
“I have spoken with the master of ceremonies, and we have removed this and many other things, as the ritual (of a pope’s funeral) was too overloaded,” said Pope Francis.
He added that the funeral of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the last traditional funeral of a Roman pontiff, where the body was displayed.
In Javier Martinez-Brocal’s book, “The Successor,” which consists of interviews with the Pope, Francis said he wants to be buried “with dignity like any Christian.”
In recent weeks, the Vatican has canceled the Pope’s presence at several events due to poor health, and Francis (86) currently uses a wheelchair due to knee problems.
Despite health issues, the pope has led the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, as well as the vigil preceding the most significant Christian holiday, N1 writes.
E.Dz.
