In Rome, Pope Francis has opted for his final resting place to be within the St. Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of the Madonna that holds great meaning for him, highlighting his “humble, simple, and essential” lifestyle. This was revealed by the archbishop in charge of the basilica, following the Pope’s death on Monday at the age of 88. His burial will occur on Saturday in a niche tomb in the basilica, shortly after the funeral held in St. Peter’s Square, located approximately 4 kilometers (2½ miles) from the basilica.
Pope Francis initially hesitated when Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas proposed St. Mary Major in 2022 as his burial place. The basilica was suggested due to the Pope’s enduring relationship with it, its Jesuit connections, significant art and spiritual heritage, and ties to the papacy. It is noteworthy that while seven popes are buried there, the most recent burial was in 1669. After contemplation, Pope Francis eventually embraced the idea, stressing that the emphasis should remain on venerating the Madonna rather than on his tomb.
The tomb will feature a straightforward headstone crafted from Liguria marble, the Italian region of his maternal family. Engraved on the stone in Latin will be the name “Franciscus,” accompanied by a replica of his pectoral cross. This cross showcases a shepherd with a sheep and a dove but lacks additional embellishments. Positioned next to a chapel housing the Salus Populi Romani icon, the site is also near what was once the doorway to a palace lived in by four popes. During his papacy, Pope Francis would pray before this icon before embarking on and returning from international trips.
St. Mary Major Basilica holds particular significance for the Jesuit Pope as it hosted the first Mass of the Jesuit order’s founder, St. Ignatius Loyola, on Christmas Day in 1538. One of Rome’s four pontifical basilicas, it is celebrated as a bastion of art and spirituality, having remained intact through the centuries.
Since Pope Francis’s passing, tens of thousands have visited the basilica, with many on Friday lining up to glimpse the future resting place, currently shielded by plywood. Carlos Taborda, who traveled from Brazil, expressed that their visit to Italy during this time was a fortuitous coincidence, allowing them to pay respects at both St. Peter’s and the Pope’s intended burial site. Similarly, Felicia Verawati from Indonesia whispered prayers, reflecting on Pope Francis’s connection to this sacred location.
The basilica, standing proudly atop one of Rome’s historic seven hills, boasts impressive gilded wood ceilings and intricately designed mosaics adorning its nave. This architectural magnificence stands in contrast to the simplicity of the Pope’s chosen final resting place.
Among the visitors was young Flavia Chiodaroli, who traveled from northern Italy, expressing her affection for Pope Francis and hoping for future papal kindness. Her visit coincided with the Vatican’s Jubilee of Teenagers, a gathering to honor Pope Francis’s commitment to young people. The event is poised to attract over 80,000 teenagers worldwide.
On Saturday morning, Pope Francis’s final journey will commence from St. Peter’s Square. The funeral is expected to be attended by over 160 international representatives, including numerous dignitaries. The procession to St. Mary Major will mark a poignant farewell, permitting the public to pay their respects as his casket is paraded through the city.
Upon arrival, those closest to the Pope’s heart—the less fortunate, including the homeless, prisoners, migrants, and transgender individuals—will greet the casket. Close to 40 individuals will honor the late pontiff with white roses, emphasizing his deep compassion for the underprivileged, reflecting the spirit of St. Francis, after whom the Pope was named.