The Pope’s Last Wish Is to ‘Come Closer to Us’ — His Tomb and Burial Instructions Reveal the Man He Was
Pope Francis' death has sent a wave of sadness across the world. Stories of his positive influence and actions have taken over social media. Recently released information about his interment wishes is a testament to the way he tried to live his life, stated Good News Network.
The Pope dedicated his entire being to god and mentioned so in his will, "I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore." The deed dated back to June 2022. The popular place for papal burials is the Papal Tombs, the interior of Saint Peter’s, but Pope Francis chose the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, possibly because of his special connection to the church. His chosen church is in Rome, where he often came for prayers after returning from his trips.
The will of Pope Francis claimed that in his prayers, he communicated about his intentions to Mother Mary, and thanked her for the care she bestowed on him. Some specific instructions were also provided regarding the construction of his burial. He asked his remains to be placed between Pauline Chapel and Sforza Chapel. Pope Francis specifically asked that his burial not be elaborate. He requested just a singular inscription, 'Franciscus.'
Not only a burial, even Pope Francis' funeral would also be simple, stated The Guardian. In April 2024, he approved the proposal to change rules for papal funerals. As per these regulations, his body would be laid down in a simple coffin made out of wood and lined with zinc. Unlike other popes, his coffin wouldn't be raised on a platform. His coffin, as per customs, would remain open until the night before the funeral.
This is in stark contrast to what happened at the last papal funeral for Pope Benedict. His embalmed body was covered in red papal mourning robes, while the casket sported a gold cloth. The coffin was raised on a pedestal in front of the altar in St. Peter’s Basilica for people to pay tribute. Chris White, the Vatican correspondent for National Catholic Reporter, believes that the altered practices perfectly align with the message that Pope Francis wanted to send to the world. According to White, he wanted the Catholic Church to stand for simplicity and not for riches, and these customs do that perfectly.
The coffin where Pope Francis will be laid to rest, as per customs, will come from the Vatican City, accompanied by the Vatican’s Swiss Guards. The scale of this procession, especially considering Pope Francis' wishes, has generated a lot of intrigue amongst the public. White speculates that the procession will not be elaborate or long, like in the previous instances. The Holy See Press Office has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will happen on April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, stated Vatican News. The procession will pass from Santa Marta Square, the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, and then exit through the Arch of the Bells for the Vatican Basilica.