Pope given last rites

[RACooper]

Originally posted by MysticCat81
By tradition, the cypress coffin signifies that the popes are human and are buried like common people. The lead coffin bears the name and coat-of-arms of the pope, and the dates of his pontificate. In it are placed not only the cypress coffin, but also copies of the documents of profound importance issued under the pope's seal. The broken seal of office is placed within the lead coffin by the Camerlengo prior to final closure. The last coffin is made of elm, the most precious of local woods available in Rome, which is used to signify the great dignity of the man being laid to his rest.

While it may sound a little odd, is it that different from the American practice of placing water-proof coffins in lead, water-proof vaults?

Technically the second coffin has to be made of metal... and in this case it won't be lead but zinc...