Pope Francis, known throughout his life for simplicity and compassion, has chosen to end his earthly journey in the same spirit.
According to his will released by the Vatican on Monday, the late pontiff asked to be buried in a plain tomb under the ancient Marian shrine of St. Mary Major in Rome, inscribed with just one word: Franciscus.
“I wish my last earthly journey to end at this very ancient Marian shrine,” the pope wrote in his will, dated June 29, 2022 the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. The date holds particular significance in the Catholic Church, underscoring the spiritual gravity of his decision.
The basilica, where seven other popes are entombed, held personal significance for Francis. He visited it on the first day of his papacy in 2013 and returned at the start and end of every apostolic trip. It was also the first place he turned to after hospital stays, seeking solace before the ancient icon of the Salus Populi Romani a revered image of the Virgin Mary believed to be painted by Saint Luke himself.
Francis’ choice stands in stark contrast to the ornate tombs of previous popes. He requested to be buried “in the earth; simple, without particular decoration,” next to the Pauline Chapel inside the basilica, where the Marian icon he cherished resides.
“In being buried there, I want to thank the Virgin for her docile and maternal care,” he wrote.
The Jesuit pope’s decision reflects his lifelong devotion to Mary and the Jesuit tradition of spreading Marian devotion globally a mission evident in the thousands of replicas of the Salus Populi Romani icon distributed by the Society of Jesus.
Francis signed his will after years of chronic health issues, including colon surgery, hypertension, Type II diabetes, and multiple hospitalizations. The Vatican also released his death certificate on Monday, confirming he died at 7:35 a.m. from a cerebral stroke followed by “irreversible” cardiac arrest.
“Sensing that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching with lively hope in eternal life,” Francis wrote in his will, which also acknowledged the suffering he endured in his final years.
He closed his testament in the same tone of compassion that marked his leadership: “May God give the deserved reward to those who loved me and will continue to pray for me.”
