Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88, left behind a heartfelt and humble final wish: to be laid to rest in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Marian sanctuary that held deep personal significance for him throughout his life and papacy.
The first Latin American pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, led the Roman Catholic Church from 2013 until his passing. According to the Vatican, Pope Francis suffered a fatal stroke on April 21, just one day after making a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square to celebrate Easter.
In his last will and testament—dated June 29, 2022—Pope Francis expressed a serene awareness of his nearing mortality, writing, “As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.”
A Place Of Prayer And Devotion
In the document released by the Vatican, Francis emphasized his lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, stating that he had always entrusted his priesthood and episcopal ministry to her care. He wished his mortal remains to rest “awaiting the day of the Resurrection” in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore—an ancient Marian church he frequently visited at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey.
“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary,” he wrote, noting that he found solace and strength there during pivotal moments of his papacy.
A Simple, Unadorned Tomb
Pope Francis’s burial request reflects the humility that marked his time as the head of the Catholic Church. He asked for a grave “in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation,” bearing only the single-word inscription: Franciscus.
Unlike many of his predecessors, the Pope did not want any mention of his papacy or achievements on his tomb. He simply wished to be remembered by name in the quiet chapel where he found peace and inspiration throughout his papal journey.
The will specifies that the tomb be placed in a side aisle between the Pauline Chapel—home to the icon of the Salus Populi Romani—and the Sforza Chapel, both of which are housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
A Prearranged Gift From A Benefactor
The costs for preparing the burial have been covered through a donation arranged by the Pope himself. He instructed that the sum be transferred to the Papal Basilica, with the details entrusted to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
Francis concluded his will by offering his final days of suffering to the Lord, writing, “The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.” He also offered a blessing to those who had supported and prayed for him throughout his life.
A Legacy Of Simplicity And Service
Pope Francis will be remembered not only for his reforms and pastoral care but also for the simplicity with which he approached his final rest. His last will is a reflection of a man who, even in death, sought humility, devotion, and a deeper connection to the people and faith he served for over a decade.
As preparations begin for the burial at Santa Maria Maggiore, the world mourns the loss of a pope who redefined the papacy for the modern age—compassionate, inclusive, and ever grounded in faith.