The Vatican has made Pope Francis’ will and testament public at age 88, revealing his simple and humble final wishes for the end of his life.
Pope Francis dies at 88 After Stroke and heart failure
Pope Francis passed away at 88 on Easter Monday following a cerebral stroke and heart failure. He died peacefully in the Vatican at 7:35 a.m. local time, surrounded by close aides.
His death marked the end of a 12-year papacy that emphasized humility, service, and social justice.
His Will reveals a simple, thoughtful burial request
Pope Francis’ will, dated June 29, 2022, has now been made public by the Vatican.
The document includes clear instructions for his burial, breaking from centuries-old papal traditions.
Image Credits: Reuters
Pope Francis rejected burial inside the Vatican, breaking with tradition.
He chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome instead.
In his will, he clearly requested to be laid to rest there.
“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial,” it read.
He visited this Marian shrine before and after every apostolic journey during his pontificate. His tomb will lie between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, as per his request.
He continued: “I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy.
The Tomb Will be plain, without titles or decorations
Pope Francis wanted a simple tomb, “in the earth,” without decoration or ecclesiastical titles. He requested that the only inscription be the name Franciscus, without noting his papal role.
“I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care.”
“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.
“The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.”
This humble choice reflects his deep commitment to modesty and spiritual service until the very end.
Burial costs covered by a private donation
Francis arranged for a benefactor to cover all burial expenses at Santa Maria Maggiore.
He gave detailed instructions to Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, who is overseeing these arrangements.
This gesture reflects his desire not to burden the Church with funeral expenses.
His testament continued: “The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.
In his final lines, Pope Francis reflected on the suffering he endured during his last years. He offered his pain for peace in the world and unity among nations and peoples.
His farewell was as spiritual and compassionate as his life in service to the Church.