In a heartfelt message, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, expressed his last wishes in a will dated June 29, 2022. He requested to be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, a prominent historical site where six other popes have found their eternal resting place. In keeping with his humble approach to life, Francis specified that he desired a simple and undecorated tomb marked only with the name "Franciscus."
"I wish my last earthly journey to end at this very ancient Marian shrine," he conveyed in his will, highlighting the significance of this basilica in his life and ministry. It was a place of solace for him, as he mentioned having visited the church at both the beginning and conclusion of each apostolic trip he undertook during his twelve years as pope. Notably, on his first day in office in 2013, he took a moment to slip out of the Vatican to pray at St. Mary Major.
The church became even more symbolic for Francis in his later years, as he returned to visit it after every hospitalization. This includes paying homage on March 23, following a 38-day stay at Gemelli Hospital, although on that occasion, he remained in his vehicle.
The will further outlines that the burial site should be positioned in the aisle adjacent to the Pauline Chapel, which houses the revered Marian icon, Salus Populi Romani. This particular image holds deep meaning for Francis, who wished to express his gratitude to the Virgin Mary for her nurturing care throughout his life and service.
Tradition holds that the icon was created by Saint Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of painters, a fact that resonates with Francis's Jesuit background, which emphasizes devotion to this iconic image. The Jesuit order has been known for promoting the veneration of the Salus Populi Romani by distributing its copies worldwide, solidifying its importance within Francis's spiritual legacy.
"I wish my last earthly journey to end at this very ancient Marian shrine," he conveyed in his will, highlighting the significance of this basilica in his life and ministry. It was a place of solace for him, as he mentioned having visited the church at both the beginning and conclusion of each apostolic trip he undertook during his twelve years as pope. Notably, on his first day in office in 2013, he took a moment to slip out of the Vatican to pray at St. Mary Major.
The church became even more symbolic for Francis in his later years, as he returned to visit it after every hospitalization. This includes paying homage on March 23, following a 38-day stay at Gemelli Hospital, although on that occasion, he remained in his vehicle.
The will further outlines that the burial site should be positioned in the aisle adjacent to the Pauline Chapel, which houses the revered Marian icon, Salus Populi Romani. This particular image holds deep meaning for Francis, who wished to express his gratitude to the Virgin Mary for her nurturing care throughout his life and service.
Tradition holds that the icon was created by Saint Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of painters, a fact that resonates with Francis's Jesuit background, which emphasizes devotion to this iconic image. The Jesuit order has been known for promoting the veneration of the Salus Populi Romani by distributing its copies worldwide, solidifying its importance within Francis's spiritual legacy.
