Why is the Pope's body placed in 3 layers of coffins?

According to Vatican tradition, after the Pope dies, he will be placed in three coffins nested inside each other. The body placed in three coffins will help preserve the Pope's body intact over time.

For centuries, after the death of a Pope , the Vatican would hold a solemn funeral, in which the Pope’s body would be placed in three nested coffins, one made of cypress, one of lead, and one of oak. Photo: Laura Lezza/Getty Images.

Specifically, the cypress coffin is the innermost layer, symbolizing the humility and fragility of human life. Photo: Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Getty Images.

In addition, cypress wood is often known for its high durability and natural fragrance, which also symbolizes eternal life. Photo: Vatican Pool/Getty Images.

The second coffin is made of lead and is sealed to prevent air, water and bacteria from entering, helping to slow down the body's decomposition. Photo: GETTY.

The outermost coffin is made of oak, showing solemnity, reflecting the noble position of the Pope. Photo: GETTY.

Inside the coffin can be placed objects such as: official documents summarizing the Pope's biography and reign , outstanding achievements, the Bible, badges, coins or documents that have been issued... These are buried with the Pope. Photo: GETTY.

On April 21, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis. Before his death, Pope Francis revised the funeral rituals, simplifying the procedures to emphasize his role as a bishop. Accordingly, Pope Francis chose to be buried in a simple wooden coffin, lined with zinc inside, instead of the traditional three-layer coffin. Photo: Marco Lacobucci/Shutterstock.

Pope Francis has also abandoned the tradition of placing the body of a pope on a raised platform – known as a catafalque – in St Peter’s Basilica for public veneration. Instead, the faithful will be invited to pay their respects while the pope lies in an open coffin. Photo: Hector Vivas/Getty Images.

Readers are invited to watch the video : Funeral of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI held on January 5. Source: THDT1.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/vi-sao-thi-hai-giao-hoang-duoc-dat-trong-3-lop-quan-tai-post269096.html