Sacred Scents: Essential Oils and Incense in Catholic Burials – Honoring Pope Francis at the Basilica
By Northstar Aromatics
When the Church gathers to honor the life of a spiritual leader, every detail carries profound symbolism. The recent burial of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica was not only a liturgical milestone, but also a deeply aromatic experience steeped in centuries of tradition. From the billowing clouds of incense to the subtle sanctity of essential oils, sacred scent played a central role in this holy farewell.
🌿🕯️The Role of Scent in Catholic Tradition
Scent has long served as a bridge between the material and the divine in Catholic rituals. Essential oils and incense aren't just aromatic accessories — they are symbols of purification, reverence, and spiritual elevation.
During funerals, particularly those of popes and saints, the use of sacred fragrances helps to:
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Sanctify the body and space
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Symbolize the soul’s ascent to heaven
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Invite reflection and prayer among the faithful
🌿🕯️Essential Oils: Anointing for Eternal Rest
In the case of Pope Francis, the funeral rites were deeply aligned with ancient customs. The use of sacred oils — likely including frankincense, myrrh, spikenard, and olive oil — was central to the anointing ritual. These oils reflect biblical significance:
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Myrrh was one of the gifts brought by the Magi, associated with suffering and sacrifice.
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Frankincense, also gifted to the Christ child, represents divinity and worship.
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Spikenard was used by Mary of Bethany to anoint Jesus’ feet before His Passion.
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Olive oil, the base for chrism, is used in all major sacraments, including the anointing of the sick and dying.
While the specific blend used in Pope Francis' burial hasn't been disclosed publicly, these time-honored oils are almost always part of the rite — a sacred offering to the soul’s final journey.
💛🙏 Incense: The Breath of Prayer Rising to Heaven
Perhaps the most visually and spiritually resonant element of the funeral liturgy is the incensing of the body and the altar. At Pope Francis' burial, the Basilica was filled with the deep, resinous scent of frankincense and benzoin, possibly blended with labdanum or copal — ancient resins known for their solemn, almost celestial fragrance.
The swinging thurible, carried by priests in rich vestments, released clouds of smoke that rose like prayers, carrying the presence of the holy into the air. This gesture serves as:
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A final farewell to the body
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A symbol of purification
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A visual expression of mourning and hope
🌿🕯️Aromatic Legacy
Pope Francis, known for his humility and love of tradition, was honored with the very rituals that have defined Catholic funerals for over a millennium. And at the heart of it all were the sacred scents — oils and incense that carry the weight of history, faith, and eternal peace.
At Northstar Aromatics, we’re deeply inspired by these traditions. Our curated line of sacred oils brings the essence of these ancient rites into your own sacred space — whether for personal devotion, spiritual rituals, or simply honoring a loved one’s memory.
"Let my prayer rise before you like incense, the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice."
— Psalm 141:2
Explore Sacred Aromatics
Discover our collection of frankincense, myrrh, spikenard, and more — handcrafted to honor ancient tradition and spiritual beauty.
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