The Catholic Church used to prohibit cremation, but in 1963 the Vatican revised its stance on the matter and now permits Catholics to choose cremation as an option for their funeral arrangements. The revised position is based on the belief that cremation is not a denial of the resurrection of the body, as Catholics believe that the body and soul will be reunited in the afterlife.
The revised position also states that cremation should not be chosen for reasons contrary to the Christian faith, such as a desire to be cremated as a means of denying the resurrection of the body or as a sign of protest against the teachings of the Church.
While cremation is now permitted, the Catholic Church still prefers that the body be present for the funeral Mass and burial, as these practices are seen as an important part of the Christian burial rite and a way to pay final respects to the deceased. If cremation is chosen, the cremated remains should be treated with the same respect as the body and buried or entombed in a cemetery or mausoleum.
