Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, has requested to be buried in a simple underground tomb at the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, according to his final will and testament released by the Vatican.
The pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for over a decade, passed away following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. The Vatican confirmed the news, which has drawn heartfelt tributes from world leaders and faithful across the globe.
In his will, dated June 29, 2022, and published by the Holy See, Pope Francis expressed his wish for a modest burial, stating that his tomb should only bear the inscription “Franciscus” and remain free of elaborate decoration.
Final Resting Place and Symbolism
Francis’s decision to be buried at St Mary Major holds deep spiritual and symbolic meaning. It was the basilica where he prayed before and after every apostolic journey and where he placed his trust in the Virgin Mary, to whom he had a lifelong devotion.
“I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary,” he wrote. “Where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care.”
The Pope specified that his remains be placed in the earth, within a niche located between the Pauline Chapel (home to the Salus Populi Romani icon) and the Sforza Chapel, two of the basilica’s most revered spaces.
Humility in Death
The late pontiff’s instructions underline his well-known humility. He rejected opulence throughout his papacy—refusing to live in the grand papal apartments and adopting a simpler lifestyle, traits reflected in his request for an undecorated tomb and a single-word epitaph.
Pope Francis also stipulated that the cost of his burial be covered by a private benefactor, with arrangements handled by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas.
A Life of Service and Suffering
In closing his testament, Francis offered the pain he endured in the final chapter of his life to God, writing:
“The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”
Global Reaction
World leaders have continued to pay tribute to the late Pope. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, describing Francis as “a moral giant who spoke for peace, justice, and the marginalised.”
The Vatican has yet to confirm full details of the funeral arrangements, but they are expected to take place later this week in St Peter’s Basilica, before his remains are transferred to their final resting place at St Mary Major.
Who Will Succeed Pope Francis?
The College of Cardinals will convene in the coming weeks for a papal conclave to elect the next Pope. Several names have been discussed as potential successors, with the global Church now entering a period of mourning and transition.
Pope Francis’s legacy, marked by humility, reform, and a call for compassion across faiths, will live on in the hearts of millions worldwide.
