Pope Francis wished to be buried in a “simple” tomb at Rome’s Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, bearing only the inscription “Franciscus,” per his final testament that the Vatican released following his death Monday.
It’s his will that the tomb should be “without particular ornamentation,” in keeping with his modest lifestyle that saw him move into a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of grander papal apartments.
With that, Pope Francis clarified that the issue wasn’t about material things—just one simple request tied to his faith. His connection to the Virgin Mary had always been central to his life.
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of the Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
That basilica wasn’t just symbolic for him. It was where he always went to pray before and after his travels. “I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
He gave precise instructions for his burial, reflecting the humility and simplicity he was known for: “I ask that my tomb be placed in the side aisle, between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel, as shown in the attached annex. “The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, added, “The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.”
He closed his testament with a heartfelt message: “May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”
