https://www.joincake.com/blog/papal-funerals/
To confirm a pope has died, the camerlengo (a high-ranking Catholic official) calls a pope by their baptismal name three times. When the pope does not respond, the camerlengo authorizes the death certificate. They typically notify the cardinal vicar for the Diocese of Rome at this point.
It’s important to understand that these rituals don’t replace scientific techniques. Saying the pope’s name three times is a custom rooted in Catholic traditions. However, medical professionals also help the camerlengo confirm a pope is dead.
Traditional papal burials involve entombing the pope in three caskets. The innermost, a cypress coffin, holds the pope’s body as well as a copy of the funeral mass eulogy. It also holds three bags of coins: one of silver coins, one of gold, and one of copper. The number of coins in each bag represents the number of years a pope served.
The next casket, made of lead, holds the cypress coffin. It bears an engraving of the pope’s name, along with the dates of his papacy. The final casket, made of elm, holds the other two. This is nailed shut before the burial occurs.
Three caskets, to some degree, symbolize core Catholic beliefs. For example, according to Cardinal Muller, the Church won’t cremate popes because “Belief in the resurrection of the flesh is fundamental,” adding “a human cadaver is not trash.” In other words, the three coffins are meant to protect the pope’s body. This ensures they might one day return to life with their body undisturbed.
what's with the pink flowers on your head?