Unlike his predecessors, such as the late Pope Benedict, who were laid to rest in ornate triple-layered coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis opted for a far simpler approach.

His coffin is a plain wooden one, lined with zinc, a quiet nod to his lifelong dedication to humility. The customary farewell—where the Pope’s body would lie in state on a catafalque inside St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing—has also been set aside in this new, simpler ceremony.

Instead of a traditional closed-coffin display, Francis’s body will lie in an open casket, allowing mourners to pay their final respects in a more personal and intimate setting.

For the first time in more than 100 years, a pope will not be buried within the Vatican grounds.

Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in Rome’s Esquilino district, rather than in the underground grottoes of St. Peter’s Basilica, where nearly 90 popes have been interred.

When and where is the funeral?

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 10 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square.

Following the public ceremony, his body will be taken to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino district — the very place where Francis had once expressed his wish to be buried.

Starting Wednesday, his body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. As it’s brought into the basilica, the hauntingly beautiful chant of the Litany of Saints will echo throughout the space, led by the camerlengo at the head of the procession. That role is currently held by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, appointed by Pope Francis in 2019.

Breaking from centuries of tradition, Pope Francis’ body won’t be placed on a raised bier. Instead, his modest wooden coffin rests directly on the floor, facing the congregation, with the Paschal candle standing nearby — a quiet but powerful symbol of faith and hope.

As people around the world grieve his passing, it’s the intimate, understated details — the simplicity of his coffin, the pared-down ceremony — that leave the most lasting impression.

Even in death, just as he did in life, he embraced humility, compassion, and a departure from formality. And perhaps it’s these quiet choices that will shape his legacy more deeply than any grand display ever could.