Upon his passing at the age of 89, Pope Francis revealed his wishes for a simple and elegant final resting place, emphasizing a life lived with humility and devotion.
Pope Francis To Be Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Pope Francis To Be Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
In a testament to his humble faith, Pope Francis has chosen an unadorned burial site among the sacred halls of a revered basilica in Rome.
In his recently released will, Pope Francis expressed his desire to be interred “in the earth” within a plain tomb bearing the name “Franciscus.” He specifically requested that this solemn end take place at the historic Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a significant Marian shrine that holds a cherished place in his heart and practice.
The pope underscored his connection to the basilica throughout his 12-year papacy by noting that he had visited the site at the commencement and conclusion of his apostolic journeys. He asked for his grave to be located next to the Pauline Chapel, where the revered icon Salus Populi Romani is enshrined. This particular image is one Francis held in high esteem, as it has been a focal point of devotion within the Jesuit community, which he was a part of.
On the very first day of his papacy in 2013, Francis made a significant gesture by quietly visiting the basilica to pray. His choice of burial site speaks volumes about his simpler, yet profound faith journey that marked his life and papacy, aligning with his personal ethos of humility and service to the Church and its flock.
The pope underscored his connection to the basilica throughout his 12-year papacy by noting that he had visited the site at the commencement and conclusion of his apostolic journeys. He asked for his grave to be located next to the Pauline Chapel, where the revered icon Salus Populi Romani is enshrined. This particular image is one Francis held in high esteem, as it has been a focal point of devotion within the Jesuit community, which he was a part of.
On the very first day of his papacy in 2013, Francis made a significant gesture by quietly visiting the basilica to pray. His choice of burial site speaks volumes about his simpler, yet profound faith journey that marked his life and papacy, aligning with his personal ethos of humility and service to the Church and its flock.
