Pope Francis burial confirmed: He broke centuries-old tradition by choosing a distinctive resting place after his death on Easter Monday. Pope Francis selected the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the heart of Rome for his burial, unlike his predecessors, who were buried under St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
An Easy Request for a Lowly Tomb
Pope Francis asked for a straightforward tomb in his testament, devoid of any ornate embellishments. His grave’s sole inscription will be “Franciscus.” By selecting a location of personal meaning over a lavish burial site in the center of the Vatican, the pope demonstrates his lifetime dedication to humility.
Why Maggiore, Santa Maria?
Pope Francis has a unique importance for Santa Maria Maggiore. He came here following medical treatment and started his first full day as pope in 2013. He heavily influenced his decision by the basilica’s background and its relationship to the Virgin Mary. The basilica, with its stunning mosaics and golden ceiling, offered a peaceful setting for his final resting place.
Seven other popes are buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, but Francis will be the first pontiff to be interred there since Pope Clement IX in 1669.
A Break with Papal Traditions
Pope Francis has defied convention in a number of ways, this being one of them. Additionally, he decided to live in a humble apartment at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace. Pope Francis lived a simple life, and his funeral request reflects this.
Santa Maria Maggiore is where mourners congregate.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has experienced a surge in tourists and mourning after Pope Francis’s death. As visitors from all over the world come to pay their respects, the atmosphere in the cathedral is one of reverence and introspection. For the pope who choose a life of devotion and humility, the basilica, which is rich in beauty and history, is an appropriate setting.
Source: CNN
