Joshua Bennett
When it comes to death, Catholics have unique sensibilities and needs that call for certain practices in the handling and care of the deceased's remains. While burial was the traditional procedure, reflecting respect for the body, cremation is now also allowed by the Catholic Church, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teaching. The Church continues to prefer the practice of burying the body, as this shows greater esteem towards the deceased, but cremation is often chosen for financial reasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burial or cremation | Both are acceptable in the Catholic faith, but burial is preferred |
| Reasons for cremation | More affordable, family closeness, sanitation concerns, fewer grave plots available |
| Catholic funeral rites | Assume the presence of the full body, but adaptations can be made for cremated remains |
| Burial location | Ashes must be laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, church, or niche |
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What You'll Learn
Cremation allowed by the Catholic Church, but burial preferred
The Catholic Church permits cremation, but it is not the preferred method of dealing with the deceased. Burial is the ideal choice, as it is considered to be more sacred and traditional. This is because it mirrors Christ's own entombment and resurrection, and the physical resurrection of the body is a core belief of the Catholic Church.
The Church's preference for burial over cremation is outlined in the Order of Christian Funerals:
> "Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites."
The Church's position on cremation has evolved over time. Until 1963, the Church insisted that Catholics follow the manner of Christ's burial by entombing or burying the body. Cremation was seen as a pagan practice and a rejection of the resurrection of the body. However, in 1963, the Church relaxed its discipline due to sanitation concerns and a lack of grave plots, allowing cremation provided it was not chosen to reject the idea of resurrection.
In 1969, the Church made formal provision in the Order of Christian Funerals for the committal or entombment of cremated remains, but not their presence at a funeral liturgy. In 1997, the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued an indult for the presence of cremated remains at funeral liturgies, and an appendix was added to the Order of Christian Funerals. In 2016, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reaffirmed the Church's preference for burial but stated that cremation was acceptable, as it does not affect the soul or God's ability to raise the body.
The Church teaches that cremated remains should be laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, church, or area dedicated for this purpose. This is because cremated remains are treated with the same reverence as full-body remains. The Church does not permit the scattering of cremated remains, as this goes against its teaching on the respect and honour due to the human body.
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Cremation chosen for financial reasons
The Catholic Church has long expressed a preference for burial over cremation, citing the importance of respecting and honouring the human body. This view stems from the belief that cremation was practised by pagans to destroy faith in the resurrection of the body.
However, in 1963, the Church relaxed its stance, allowing for cremation provided it was not chosen to reject the idea of resurrection. This change was prompted by sanitation concerns, a lack of grave plots, and the high costs of traditional burials.
While the Church still maintains its preference for burial, cremation is now a widely accepted option, and the Church treats cremated remains with the same reverence as full-body remains. Cremation is often chosen for financial reasons, as traditional burials can be costly. In such cases, dioceses have offered support by providing free burial services for cremated remains, ensuring that families can lay their loved ones to rest in a respectful and affordable manner.
The Vatican has issued guidelines for the respectful treatment of cremated remains, including their presence during Funeral Mass and subsequent burial or entombment. The Church emphasizes that cremated remains should be laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, church, or dedicated area.
As cremation becomes more prevalent, the Church strives to educate families on its teachings regarding the practice, ensuring that financial considerations do not detract from the sacredness of the funeral rites and the respectful disposition of human remains.
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Burial considered more respectful
While the Catholic Church allows cremation, it is clear that burial is the preferred option. Burial is considered more respectful because it better expresses the values affirmed by the Church in its funeral rites.
The Church has always recommended the traditional burial procedure, which reflects respect for the body. Burial mirrors Christ's own entombment and resurrection, and is therefore considered a more appropriate way to treat the deceased with the reverence and honour due to the human body. Burial also allows for the appropriate sacred funeral rites, such as sprinkling with holy water, the placing of the pall, and honouring the body with incense.
The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued an indult in 1997, permitting the presence of cremated remains at funeral liturgies. However, the Church's preference for burial remains clear. In the document Ad Resurgendum cum Christo (ARC), issued in 2016, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) stated:
> "The Church continues to prefer the practice of burying the bodies of the deceased, because this shows a greater esteem towards the deceased."
The Church's preference for burial is further emphasised by the requirement that cremated remains be treated with the same dignity and respect as the body. Cremated remains must be laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, church, or area dedicated for this purpose. This requirement reflects the Church's belief in the importance of a respectful burial and the resurrection of the body.
While cremation is a more affordable option for many families, the Church urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites whenever possible, to uphold the sacredness of the body and the values expressed in the funeral rites.
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Burial recommended in Catholic cemeteries
The Catholic Church has a long history of recommending traditional burial over cremation. Before 1963, the Church insisted that Catholics follow only the manner of Christ's burial by either entombing or burying the body. Burial in a cemetery or another sacred place is considered to adequately correspond to the piety and respect owed to the bodies of the faithful departed.
The Church acknowledges that "cremation does not hold the same value" as the traditional way of allowing the body to return to the earth. The presence of the human body at funeral rites better expresses the values that the Church affirms. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, allowing for the appropriate reverence for the sacredness of the body at the Funeral Mass.
The Church continues to prefer the practice of burying the bodies of the deceased, as stated in the 2016 document Ad Resurgendum cum Christo (ARC): "the Church continues to prefer the practice of burying the bodies of the deceased, because this shows a greater esteem towards the deceased." The Church's reverence for the cremated remains of the human body is also reflected in the treatment of cremated remains in Catholic cemeteries, where they are treated with the same prayerful reverence as full-body remains.
Catholic cemeteries are generally preferred for the burial of Catholics, as they imply a sharing of common beliefs and the same community of faith. The Archdiocesan cemeteries also welcome non-Catholic family members, upholding the belief that those who were together in life should not be separated in death.
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Cremated remains must be laid to rest in sacred places
The Catholic Church permits cremation, but it is not the preferred option. Burial is the traditional Catholic funeral procedure, reflecting respect for the body. However, cremation is allowed by the Church for justifiable reasons and is increasingly common due to financial constraints.
If a Catholic chooses cremation, the Church requires that cremated remains be laid to rest in sacred places, such as cemeteries, churches, or areas dedicated for this purpose by the competent ecclesial authority. These ashes should never be scattered or treated in an undignified manner. Instead, they are to be interred or inurned in a respectful manner, such as in a cemetery columbarium or buried in a family plot.
The Church's preference for burial stems from its belief in the resurrection of the body, mirroring Christ's entombment and resurrection. This belief is in contrast to the ancient pagan view that burning a corpse freed the spirit from its physical form.
While the Church expresses a clear preference for burial, it does not forbid cremation unless chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teaching. The Church has provided new prayers and rituals for liturgies with cremated remains, ensuring they are treated with the same dignity and respect as the body.
In summary, while Catholics traditionally prefer burial, cremation is an acceptable option, provided the cremated remains are laid to rest in sacred places, treated with dignity, and not scattered.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cremation is allowed by the Catholic Church, but only for justifiable reasons. In 1963, the Vatican's Holy Office lifted the ban on Catholics choosing cremation.
The Catholic Church prefers the burial of the body, as it is believed to show greater esteem towards the deceased. However, cremation is becoming more popular due to its affordability.
The cremated remains are treated with the same dignity and respect as the body. They are to be interred or inurned in a cemetery columbarium or buried in a family plot or grave.
