Pope Francis was formally laid to rest on Saturday at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he is set to be buried in a simple tomb in accordance with his wishes.
The translation of Pope Francis’ body took place after the Solemn Requiem Mass, officiated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, as thousands of faithful and world leaders paid tribute to the pontiff.
In his testament dated June 29, 2022, the Holy Father requested a simple burial and specified his desired final resting place.
Pope Francis wished for his “final earthly journey” to end at the ancient Marian sanctuary, a sacred site where he regularly paused to pray at the start and end of each Apostolic Journey.
He also requested that his tomb be placed in a burial niche located along the side aisle of the Basilica, between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel.
After spending nearly 40 days in the hospital battling double pneumonia, Pope Francis was discharged and returned to Casa Santa Marta, his residence at the Vatican, to continue his recovery.
His passing occurred just a day after he appeared before the faithful in Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
