[Protect the Bill of Rights]

A question for Catholics: why is a pall draped over a casket during a funeral mass?

[Kaslin]

Maybe this explains it?

[KarlInOhio]

Are you asking in general why the pall is used or why is it used instead of a flag? http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/must-a-pall-replace-the-flag-at-a-funeral-mass

Excerpt:

A pall does need to replace a flag while the casket is in the church. However, flags can be placed on the casket before or after it is in the church. The Order of Christian Funerals states:

38. If it is the custom in the local community, a pall may be placed over the coffin when it is received at the church. A reminder of the baptismal garment of the deceased, the pall is a sign of the Christian dignity of the person. The use of the pall also signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God (see James 2:1-9). . . . Only Christian symbols may rest on or be placed near the coffin during the funeral liturgy. Any other symbols, for example, national flags, or flags or insignia of associations, have no place in the funeral liturgy.

132. Any national flags or the flags or insignia of associations to which the deceased belonged are to be removed from the coffin at the entrance to the church. They may be replaced after the coffin has been taken from the church.

[Ouchthatonehurt]

It is reminiscent of the baptismal cloth.
The person “put on” Christ at baptism, and so has he died in Christ.

[COBOL2Java]

A question for Catholics: why is a pall draped over a casket during a funeral mass?

The Order of Christian Funerals states:

38. If it is the custom in the local community, a pall may be placed over the coffin when it is received at the church. A reminder of the baptismal garment of the deceased, the pall is a sign of the Christian dignity of the person. The use of the pall also signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God (see James 2:1-9). . .

[Arthur McGowan]

The pall is a symbol of the white garment that is worn at baptism.