Eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgement, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind. For Catholics, death is not the end. When someone dies, it is only their physical body that stops living, their soul begins a new and eternal life with God.

A Christian funeral is a celebration of hope as well as a time of sadness. Care of the dying is important within Christianity and people often stay with the dying person, praying for them and reading the Bible. If someone is on their deathbed, a minister will prepare them for death. This is most likely after a long period of illness. Prayers of preparation and reconciliation may be said, with only the minister in the room. Family and friends can participate in the Lord's Prayer, the Word of God and Holy Communion.

• Often, the deceased will have left information in his/her will concerning what they want to be included in the funeral service (hymns, prayers) and will also say whether they wanted to be buried or cremated.

• The funeral is held about a week after death. It can either take place in a church or at a crematorium.

In 2016, Pope Francis and the Vatican announced that Catholics may be cremated but should not have their ashes scattered at sea or kept in urns at home. The remains of cremated adherents must be kept in a "sacred place" like that of a church cemetery.

Unlike other Christian denominations, or some secular cremations, cremated remains also should not be divided up between family members, "nor may they be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewellery or other objects."