Pope Francis announced this week that he intends on having a much more simple funeral than those of his predecessors at the Vatican, including a humble wooden casket.

In a new formal rite published on Wednesday, the Vatican said Francis will forego a centuries-old practice of burying the late pope in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead and oak. Instead, Francis will be buried in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin.

Pope Francis approves new papal funeral rites for when he dies to simplify rituals, allow for burial outside the Vatican

Pope Francis has approved new rites for his own funeral for when he dies to simplify rituals and be buried outside the Vatican.

Pope Francis has revised the funeral rites that will be used when he dies, simplifying the rituals to emphasize his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside

Pope Francis breaks centuries-old traditions, opting for a simple wooden coffin and no public viewing for his funeral. Instead, he’ll be buried outside the Vatican. Know why the humble pontiff is choosing simplicity over extravagance.