Catholics/black tomb

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Expert: - 2/4/2008


Question
Good morning,

Good morning,

on a recent visit to the Vatican we noticed that all of the popes tombs are in white marble except John Paul 1, the pope who only reigned for 33 days. His is in black marble. My husband would love to know why his is black. Hoping that you can provide the answer,

Best regards,

Erica

Answer
Peace


dear Erica
    First, I need to be honest, your question is interesting and I had to do some on line investigating. I couldn't find any answers per sa. However, I have some ideas. It could be that its matter of perception.
Or its location dictated its color. It could have been his preference. Also, I looked at other papal tombs. Not all are white or black like his. Below is two links that I looked at, perhaps you can find something on them, that I missed. If you do, please grace me with answer better than mine.
               your servant but His first
                       George


http://www.papal-death.com/
http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org/index.htm

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George A. Card,sfo, M.I

Expertise

I am willing to attempt to answer any question. If I don’t know the answer, I will look-up or pass the question on to friends for feed back. Beside Catholicism (especially the social/moral and the Eastern rites), I am well read on Mormonism and so-called Modern Christian Fundamentalism. Also I study Franciscan History as means of growing in my lay Franciscan calling to holiness in Christ.

Experience

20+ years as the Justice and Peace Laison for my (local)Secular Franciscan Fraternity,22+ years public speaking on the Faith,and/or teaching CCD and Youth Retreats,a former Officer for K of C and my SFO Fraternity,still hold appointed offices in local SFO fraternity

Organizations
Catholic Church, Rome Rite
Secular Fraciscan Order
Knights of Columbus
The Men's Study (A local Catholic study group I co founded)
Others
Militia Immaculata(Knights of the Immaculate

Publications
Local News Letters:Mostly my Poetry


Education/Credentials
2 years of Minor Seminary
Bible and Adult Faith Studies and Seminars

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