Pope Francis Lies in State as Vatican Confirms Burial Wishes in Humble Tomb
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke and cardiac arrest, now lies in state, dressed in full liturgical vestments with a rosary gently clasped between his fingers. Guards stand solemnly beside his body as the Catholic world begins days of mourning and reflection.
The Vatican officially announced the pontiff’s death early Monday morning. In his final testament, Pope Francis expressed a profound desire for a humble burial in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a departure from the traditional papal tombs in St. Peter’s Basilica.
His testament reads in part: “As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial. 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.”
He added that he wished his “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.”
The Vatican has indicated that Pope Francis may be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica by Wednesday morning to lie in state, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects before the funeral proceedings begin. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, “The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning.”
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