Can Catholics be cremated?
The short answer
Yes. Since 1963 the Church has permitted cremation, provided it is not chosen to deny faith in the resurrection. Burial remains preferred, and the ashes must be treated with reverence and placed in a cemetery, columbarium or other sacred place — not scattered, divided, or kept at home.
Burial is preferred
Christians have always buried their dead, following the example of Christ's own burial and expressing faith in the resurrection of the body (CCC 2300). Burial treats the body as a seed awaiting glory: "It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible" (1 Corinthians 15:42).
Cremation is allowed
"The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body" (CCC 2301). The Church does not think God needs an intact body to raise the dead; the concern is what cremation expresses.
Treating ashes with reverence
The 2016 instruction Ad Resurgendum cum Christo clarified:
- Ashes should be placed in a cemetery, columbarium or other sacred place.
- They should not be scattered on land, sea or in the air.
- They should not be divided among family members or made into jewellery.
- They should not be kept at home, except in rare cases approved by the bishop.
Keeping the dead in a sacred place allows the whole community to remember and pray for them.
The funeral
Where possible, the Church prefers the funeral Mass to be celebrated with the body present, with cremation afterward. If cremation has already occurred, the funeral liturgy can be celebrated with the ashes present.
Hope in the resurrection
"I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live" (John 11:25).