“I wish my tomb to be simple, without particular ornamentation,” Francis wrote, choosing a burial niche near the Salus Populi Romani icon where he often prayed before trips.
Pope Francis’ final wishes, revealed in his published testament, requested a modest burial in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The late pontiff, who passed away Monday at 88, specified his grave should be “in the ground” with no ornamentation beyond the inscription “Franciscus.” This aligns with his lifelong devotion to humility and the Virgin Mary, whom he credited throughout his ministry.
“I wish my tomb to be simple, without particular ornamentation,” Francis wrote, choosing a burial niche near the Salus Populi Romani icon where he often prayed before trips.
The Vatican disclosed Francis selected Saint Mary Major—a site central to his spiritual routine—as his resting place. His testament emphasized gratitude for Mary’s “gentle and maternal care,” recalling how he visited the basilica before and after every papal journey. The chosen location between two chapels symbolizes his bridge-building papacy.
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