A Humble Request Reflects a Lifetime of Modesty
In a significant break from tradition, Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, will not be buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, his final resting place will be the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome, a church that held deep personal meaning for him.
According to his will, Francis requested “a simple tomb in the earth” with no ornate decoration—only the word “Franciscus” inscribed on the stone. His funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square before his body is transported across the city to the basilica.
A Personal Sanctuary
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s oldest and most significant basilicas. It is not just a historical monument but a place Pope Francis visited regularly. He prayed there before and after every international journey, and even after recent hospital stays. It was here that he began his first full day as pope in 2013, and it was the first place he visited upon being discharged from the hospital last month.
The basilica is known for its golden ceiling and ancient mosaics, but to Francis, it was more than architecture. It was a space of devotion. By choosing it as his final resting place, he reaffirmed his deep connection to the Virgin Mary and his desire to be remembered simply, not ceremonially.
A Consistent Life of Simplicity
This decision is in line with how Pope Francis lived. He famously declined the opulent Apostolic Palace and chose to live in a small apartment at the Vatican guesthouse. He drove a modest Ford Focus and, as a cardinal in Buenos Aires, used public transport rather than a chauffeured car.
His choices often challenged traditional norms and highlighted the values of humility, service, and closeness to ordinary people.
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