Pope Francis Leaves Final Will Requesting Simple Burial at Basilica of Saint Mary Major
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, just hours before the Vatican released his final will and testament. The pontiff passed away on Monday, April 21, following complications from a stroke and irreversible heart failure. He had been receiving treatment for multiple health issues throughout the year at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital. His last public appearance occurred on Easter Sunday.
In a significant departure from papal tradition, Pope Francis requested in his will to be buried not in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. Specifically, he asked for a final resting place in the burial niche located between the Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani and the Sforza Chapel, areas of deep personal devotion during his pontificate.
The will, dated June 29, 2022, outlined his preference for a simple and humble burial:
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus."
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major lies outside Vatican City, near Rome’s central Termini train station. It has been closely associated with Pope Francis' spiritual life, particularly in connection to the Virgin Mary. He frequently visited the basilica to pray before and after his international Apostolic Journeys.
Pope Francis’ will also noted that expenses related to his burial had been arranged through a private benefactor. Oversight of his final wishes was entrusted to Msgr. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.
The complete excerpt from his will emphasized his lifelong devotion to Mary, his desire for humility even in death, and his final offering of suffering for peace and unity among peoples:
“I have always entrusted my life and 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 Saint Mary Major... The suffering that marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”
As shared by the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis' will reads verbatim:
"In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
As I sense that the twilight of my earthly life is approaching, and with firm hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my final wishes regarding my burial place.
I have always entrusted my life and 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 Saint Mary Major.
I wish that my final earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian shrine, where I go to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey to faithfully entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and to give thanks for her gentle and maternal care.
I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica, as indicated in the enclosed plan.
The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
The expenses for the preparation of my 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 appropriate instructions to Msgr. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.
May the Lord grant the deserved reward to those who have wished me well and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples."
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