Why Did Pope Benedict XVI Have A Triangular Casket?

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest on Thursday but the former pope’s casket stole the show.

Pope Benedict XVI’s casket was in a triangular shape instead of a normal rectangular shape.

The casket however isn’t abnormal to the Vatican’s tradition considering the same casket was used by Pope John Paul II.

Take a look:

The memory that will likely stick with me from Benedict XVI’s funeral this morning…

In April, 2005, then-Cardinal Ratzinger incensing and blessing the casket of John Paul II.

Today, Cardinal Re blessing the casket of Pope Benedict XVI.

Two papal funerals. pic.twitter.com/8sq4s8oGN9

— . (@linorulli) January 5, 2023

Pope Benedict XVI was buried in a strictly private ceremony. His cypress coffin was placed in a zinc casket which was placed in an oak casket. His remains now rest in the first tomb of St. John Paul II. pic.twitter.com/zNfH2ks5Cz

— EWTN News (@EWTNews) January 5, 2023

CBS News had these to add about the casket:

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest Thursday in Vatican City in the first funeral ever conducted by a sitting pope for his predecessor. Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since his election in 2013, following Benedict’s surprise resignation, led the funeral Mass.

The historic funeral capped a chapter of Catholic Church history marked notably by Benedict’s decision to step down — the first pontiff to do so in modern times. Benedict died last week at the age of 95.

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Up to 100,000 people were expected to crowd into St. Peter’s Square for the Mass, which was conducted in a manner similar to how it would be for a sitting pope.

The burial of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: the closing of the coffin Wednesday evening and placement in the grottos under St. Peter’s Basilica following the burial rituals and tradition of Popes. pic.twitter.com/ZOivIat8yT

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) January 5, 2023

AS shared these details abou Pope Benedict’s coffin:

The body of a deceased Pope is a barrier in three coffins that all fit inside one another. The first layer is a coffin made of cypress wood. Here, the coins of his pontificate will be introduced, as well as the pallium and a text that summarizes his work as Pope. The latter object will be installed in a metal cylinder.

Subsequently, this sarcophagus will be inserted into a metallic one. After placing a tape with the official seals in the first, the first coffin will be placed in the second, which will be sealed and welded. All this will take place on Thursday, after mass.

Finally, the double catafalque will be placed in a wooden coffin, and this will be introduced into the Vatican Grottoes. Benedict XVI will be buried in the place occupied by his predecessor, John Paul II. The remains of the Polish Pope were transferred after his beatification to the Chapel of Saint Sebastian, located in the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.