‘Bury Me Beside Mary’—Pope Francis Final Will Revealed

The Vatican has released the final will and testament of Pope Francis, detailing his humble burial wishes and reflecting the simplicity that marked his papacy. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Monday, a day after making a surprise appearance during Easter celebrations at St. Peter’s Square. His death, according to Vatican officials, was caused by a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

In the will dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis requested that his remains be buried in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a fifth-century church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary—whom he referred to as the guiding force of his life and ministry.

“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel,” the pope wrote, emphasizing that the tomb should be simple, unadorned, and inscribed only with the name “Franciscus.” Notably, he requested no mention of his papal office on the tombstone.

Francis had visited the basilica more than 100 times throughout his papacy, always before and after his apostolic journeys abroad. In his final words, he offered the suffering he endured in the last part of his life “for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”

The expenses for his burial preparations, according to the will, will be covered by a fund from a benefactor, under arrangements made with Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas.

See more: How the Final Hours of Pope Francis Unfolded — Vatican Medical Report