Why Does the Roman Catholic Church Discourage Cremation?

The Roman Catholic Church discourages cremation due to beliefs surrounding the resurrection of the body and the overall importance of maintaining the sanctity of the body, both in life and death. Since the body is viewed as a sacred vessel of the Holy Spirit, it is likewise believed that it should be treated in a manner that maintains dignity and glorifies God. In this regard, there were concerns regarding potential disrespect of the body in the process of cremation.

The final resurrection of the body to be united with Christ and the beliefs surrounding the resurrection is another matter that influences the general discouragement of cremation among the Roman Catholic Church. Previously, some held the belief that a decision to cremate the body prevented that individual from participating in the resurrection due to rendering the physical body to ash. Eventually, the Church changed its guidance regarding cremation by acknowledging that cremation does not impede the resurrection since it is the spiritual body that is raised by Christ rather than the physical body.

Changes to the Roman Catholic Church’s stance on cremation have been relatively recent, following a prior ban that extended for centuries. The ban on cremation was not lifted until an amendment of the Code of Canon Law in 1963. Additional changes since then have included the decision to allow ashes in funeral masses in 1997 and new guidance regarding appropriate resting places for the cremated remains in 2016. In general, cremation has become more acceptable within the Roman Catholic Church as long as the practice and any actions that follow maintain respect to the sanctity of the body. 

Burial is still regarded as the most appropriate method of disposition for followers of the Roman Catholic Church, although cremation is permitted. The reason for cremation must not be in denial of the faith and additional considerations regarding how ashes are handled also exist. Ashes cannot be divided or shared among family members and can only be stored in a sacred place. Funeral rites must still be conducted, whether it is before cremation or afterward, but cremation itself is generally recommended to occur after the funeral mass. Overall, the Church’s guidance on cremation reflects its commitment to maintaining the dignity and sanctity of the body, both in life and in death.

Sources

“Catholic Cremation Beliefs”. Tulip Cremation. https://www.tulipcremation.com/articles/tulip-expert-guides/cremation/catholic-cremation-beliefs.html 

“Vatican Clarifies the Rules for Cremation: Bury, Don’t Scatter”. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/26/world/europe/vatican-bans-scattering-of-human-ashes.html 

“Does the Church Forbid Cremation?. EWTN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/does-the-church-forbid-cremation-993