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The details surrounding the late Pope Francis' funeral have been revealed, following his death at the age of 88.
The head of the Catholic Church passed away on Easter Monday (21 April), with his death announced by the Vatican.
His cause of death has since been revealed as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
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Today (22 April) it has been announced that Pope Francis' funeral will take place on Saturday (26 April) with world leaders from across the globe set to gather to celebrate his life.
Following his death, it has now been revealed what the late Pope wanted for his burial according to a final testament released by the Vatican.
While previous pontiffs have been buried in coffins made of cypress, lead and oak, it's reported that Pope Francis' coffin will simply be made from wood and lined with zinc, as per his request.
According to Crisis magazine, zinc is used in coffins as a cost-effective way to aid the longevity of a body.
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Meanwhile, according to Steve Soult Limited coffin manufacturers - who shared a video on the topic on TikTok - there's a very touching reason why zinc is used to line caskets.
Alongside a clip explaining why zinc is added to the interiors of coffins, they wrote: "Zinc liners provide an added 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."
They also added: "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."
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Before he died, Pope Francis mapped out his wishes for a 'simple' tomb 'in the ground' bearing only the inscription 'Franciscus' - an ode to his papal name which is in honour of St Francis of Assisi, who was also praised for his progressive attitude and humility.
The late Pope Francis' final testament, which was signed 29 June 2022, reads in full:
"As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
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"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"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."
It continued: "I ask 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.
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"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
"The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
"May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me.
"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."
Topics: Pope Francis, News, World News
Lucy Devine