Pope Francis expressed his wish to be laid to rest in a simple tomb at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
The Holy Father, in his spiritual testament dated June 29, 2022, requested a simple burial and specified where he wished to be buried.
“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,” the Pope stated.
"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major," he added.
Pope Francis wished for his “final earthly journey” to come to rest in the ancient Marian sanctuary—a sacred site where he would consistently pause in prayer at the beginning and conclusion of each Apostolic Journey.
He further requested that his tomb be placed in the burial niche located in the side aisle of the Basilica, between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel.
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus," he added.
The Pope stated that the cost of preparing his burial would be covered by a donation from a benefactor, which he arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
He further confirmed that the relevant instructions had been communicated to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
"May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. 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," Pope Francis said in closing.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday. The pontiff was 88.
Following nearly 40 days in the hospital battling double pneumonia, Pope Francis was discharged and returned to Casa Santa Marta, his residence in the Vatican, to continue his recovery.
His passing came just a day after he appeared before the faithful at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
The 266th Pope of the Catholic Church was elected in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The latter stepped down due to declining health.
