Pope Francis Expresses Wish for Humble Burial in Final Will

Before he died on Monday at 88 years old Pope Francis stated his burial wishes in his final will. The leader of the Catholic Church passed away one day after his unexpected appearance during Easter festivities at St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican reported that he had a stroke which resulted in a coma and ultimately led to "irreversible" heart failure.

The Argentine pope died in his Vatican residence at Santa Marta one month after his hospital discharge following five weeks of treatment for double pneumonia. The following day after Easter celebrations mourners gathered in emotional droves at St. Peter’s Square.

The document dated June 29, 2022 specifies his burial plans according to his last will. Francis expressed his burial preferences as he felt the end of his earthly life was nearing.

Pope Francis specifically requested his final resting place to be the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

His words in the document expressed that throughout his life and religious service he placed his complete trust in the Mother of Our Lord Mary Most Holy. I request that my mortal remains be placed in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore until resurrection day.

CBS News reports that this fifth-century basilica stands among Rome's four major papal basilicas while honoring the Virgin Mary. After completing his more than 100 foreign journeys Francis made it a practice to visit this church to offer prayers.

His will specified his tomb's location between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel in the side nave of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

The will of Pope Francis includes specific instructions for covering pope burial expenses. The benefactor-established funds will pay for my burial preparations which will be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore under Rolandas Makrickas’ supervision as the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.