Pope Francis has revised the funeral rites that will be used when he dies. He's simplifying the rituals to emphasize his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican in keeping with his wishes.

He is foregoing a centuries-old practice of burying popes in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead and oak. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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.