Most Popes have traditionally been buried at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and since 1903, no pope has been interred outside this sacred site located in Vatican City.
Their tombs are typically found in the Vatican Grottoes beneath the basilica or within its chapels, such as that of Pope John Paul II. Notably, the tomb of St. Peter himself is also located in the grottoes.
In Summary:
- Pope Francis will be the first Pope to be buried outside St. Peter Basilica.
- The Pope’s will was to be buried at Basilica of St. Mary Major, a site he frequently visited to pray.
Pope Francis died at the age of 88, after suffering a stroke and heart failure His Funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m Saturday, April 26. In a historic departure, Pope Francis will be the first pope in over a century to be buried outside St. Peter’s Basilica.
It was Pope’s wish to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This was a site he frequently visited to pray before the revered icon of Salus Populi Romani, believed to have been painted by St. Luke and symbolizing the protection of the Roman people.
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St. Mary Major already houses the tombs of six popes, and Pope Francis will now join them in eternal rest. In accordance with his wishes, his tomb will be located in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel, a quieter and more humble spot within the basilica.
The Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of the oldest churches in the Western world and the oldest in the West dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Commissioned by Pope Sixtus III, it was built around 432–440 AD, shortly after the Council of Ephesus (431), which affirmed Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God).
The basilica also houses a precious relic believed to be part of the manger where the infant Jesus was laid in Bethlehem.
Pope Francis had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, reflected in his special relationship with this ancient basilica. He visited it before and after every international apostolic journey to pray and entrust his intentions to the Immaculate Mother.
On the day he was discharged from Gemelli Hospital, he insisted on making a detour to lay a bouquet of flowers at the basilica. Just two days before his death, he made one final pilgrimage there to pray.
True to his humble nature, which led him to live at a guesthouse in the Vatican rather than the opulent Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis requested a plain tomb, set in the earth, without special decoration, bearing only a single word: Franciscus
Rest In Peace Pope Francis.