Following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the Vatican has released the late pontiff’s spiritual testament — a deeply personal document written on June 29, 2022. The testament outlines his enduring faith, modesty, and precise instructions for his funeral and burial.
Burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
In his testament, Pope Francis requested that his final resting place be the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome — a location of deep spiritual significance to him.
“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,” he wrote.
He expressed his life-long devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, stating, “Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord… I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of the resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
The Pope requested that his tomb be located between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel, specifying the exact burial niche in a plan attached to the testament. This sacred site was where he often paused in prayer at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey.
A Testament to Humility
True to his pastoral image and humble leadership, Pope Francis requested a simple tomb, devoid of grandeur or ornamentation.
“The tomb should be in the ground, simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus,” he instructed, asking that his Latin name be the sole marker.
Funding His Final Rites
Though the Pope had access to Vatican resources, he ensured that the Church would not bear the cost of his funeral or burial. In his testament, he confirmed that a benefactor had been arranged to cover the expenses.
“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,” he stated, adding that Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica, had received all necessary instructions.
Legacy of a Shepherd
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first to take the name Francis, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi. Elected in March 2013 after the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he led the Catholic Church for 12 years, becoming a global symbol of compassion, humility, and reform.
His death was announced solemnly by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who declared, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
Pope Francis’ final wishes reflect the values he embodied throughout his pontificate: faith, simplicity, and deep devotion to the Mother of God.
Source: Thepressradio.com
