Are Catholics allowed to be cremated?
The Vatican announced Tuesday that Catholics may be cremated but should not have their ashes scattered at sea or kept in urns at home. According to new guidelines from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, cremated remains should be kept in a “sacred place” such as a church cemetery.
Does the Catholic Church discourage cremation?
Catholics believe that the soul is immortal and does not depend on the physical body. Since cremation of the deceased’s remains do not affect his or her soul, according to the Church, there are no doctrinal objections to the practice.
Why does the Catholic Church not allow ashes to be scattered?
Cremated ashes can be scattered.
Though the Pope and the Church approve of cremation, scattering of one’s ashes is strictly prohibited. In the eyes of the Church, this is a type of desecration and is looked upon as a sign of disrespect to the deceased.
Is it bad to keep cremated ashes at home?
There’s nothing bad about keeping cremated remains at home. … The Vatican issued a statement in 2016 that said a Catholic’s remains should be buried or placed in a cemetery or consecrated place. The Catholic Church specifically banned the scattering of ashes and having the ashes kept at a personal residence.