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 further investigation, it was determined that he had suffered a cerebral stroke, which ultimately resulted in a coma and irreparable heart failure.
It has been revealed today (22 April) that the funeral for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday (26 April), and that international leaders from all over the world are going to gather to celebrate his life.
Following his passing, it has now been disclosed, in accordance with a final bequest that was made public by the Vatican, what the late Pope desired for his burial.
It has been claimed that Pope Francis’ coffin will simply be fashioned from wood and lined with zinc, as he has requested.
This is in contrast to the fact that previous pontiffs have been laid to rest in coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak.
The publication Crisis magazine asserts that zinc is utilized in coffins as a cost-effective method to assist in the preservation of a body’s lifespan.
While this is going on, the producers of coffins, Steve Soult Limited, who posted a video on TikTok on the subject, claim that there is a very heartfelt reason why zinc is used to lining caskets.
They wrote the following alongside a video that explained why zinc is added to the interiors of coffins: “Zinc liners provide an additional layer of protection against external factors such as water, insects, and other natural elements.”
“By safeguarding the coffin, these liners ensure that the memory of our loved ones remains undisturbed, allowing us to find solace in knowing that their resting place will endure the test of time.”
Additionally, the researchers stated: “The zinc liner slows the process and aids the body to deteriorate in a more natural way from the exterior elements of the coffin in the ground.”
A “simple” burial “in the ground” displaying only the inscription “Franciscus” was Pope Francis’s wish before he passed away.
This was an ode to his papal name, which is in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was also admired for his progressive attitude and humility. Pope Francis’s wishes were sketched out before he passed away.
In its entirety, the final testament of the late Pope Francis, which was signed on June 29, 2022, reads as follows:
In light of the fact that I am aware that the end of my earthly life is drawing near and that I have a deep belief in the possibility of everlasting life, I would want to express my final intentions with regard to the location of my burial.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of Our Lord, has always been the person to whom I have entrusted myself throughout my entire life, including during my time serving as a priest and bishop.
Because of this, I would want to request that my mortal remains be laid to rest in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major of the Vatican, where they will wait for the day of the Resurrection.
“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
As the document proceeded, it stated, “I request that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.”
“The tomb ought to be buried in the ground; it ought to be unadorned, unadorned with any particular ornamentation, and it ought to bear only the inscription: Franciscus.”
A sum of money that has been donated by a benefactor will be used to cover the expenses associated with the preparation of the burial. I have made arrangements for this money to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
I have provided Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica, with the required directives pertaining to this matter.
To all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me, may the Lord bestow upon them a reward that is befitting of their feelings.
“The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”
