Two months after he was hospitalized and one day after Easter Sunday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21. Millions around the world mourn his death, and while a Pontiff's funeral has historically been grandiose, Pope Francis broke tradition in favor of a more humble final goodbye. Contrary to most of his predecessors, Francis will not be buried at the Vatican.
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According to the Daily Mail, Pope Francis chose to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This marks the first time in over a century that a Pope will not be buried in the crypts of St. Peter's Basilica. The last Pope who was buried outside St. Peter's was Leo XIII. He chose to be buried in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where he was put to rest in 1903.
As reported by Aleteia, Santa Maria Maggiore was very close to Francis's heart. Francis spoke extensively about his bond with the Virgin Mary. In that sense, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was a special place for Francis. He visited it constantly, especially before and after his apostolic travels. He expressed his desire to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in an interview with a Mexican broadcaster back in 2023.
"The place is already prepared," Francis said at the time.
The Basilica is also the place he visited during his first day of papacy after he was elected in 2013.
Pope Francis also revised many of the requirements for his burial. For example, he won't be on an elevated bier in St. Peter's, according to Catholic Connect. Instead, his body will be displayed in a simple coffin.
Pope Francis's Death Announcement
Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, who served as Francis's Camerlengo, announced the death of Pope Francis at 9:47 a.m., local time.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," the Camerlengo wrote. At 7.35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to service to the Lord and His Church."
He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love the One and Triune God."
Santa Maria Maggiore is the final resting place of seven other popes. These are Honorius III, Nicholas IV, St. Pius V, Sixtus V, Clement VIII, Paul V, and Clement IX.
