So the inner circle of the Vatican taps three times on the deceased popes head with a special hammer to check he is dead a strange tradition...

I believe that was because once they started to bury one and he turned out to be still alive - so making sure they are dead before hand seems sensible!

Obviously, that would be after the Vatican doctor has already declared him to be dead.

Would it be bad to link to "Knock Three Times" By Tony Orlando and Dawn?