The Holy See has released the testament of the Supreme Pontiff, in which he expresses his desire regarding the place of his burial: at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in a sober manner.
The text is dated June 29, 2022.
Read Pope Francis’ Testament:
“In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching, and with a lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my last will solely regarding the place of my burial.
I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest, awaiting the day of resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
I desire that my final earthly journey be concluded precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I went to pray at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey, to entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and to thank her for her gentle and motherly care.
I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side corridor between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel in this same Papal Basilica, as indicated in the attached document.
The tomb should be at ground level; simple, without special decoration, and with a single inscription: Franciscus.
The expenses for the preparation of my burial site will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, according to instructions given to Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Chapter of the Basilica.
May the Lord grant a deserved reward to those who have shown me kindness and who will continue to pray for me.
The suffering that marked the final part of my life I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”
It was in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major that Pope Francis experienced many of the significant moments of his pontificate. Over his twelve years leading the Catholic Church, he visited and prayed at the Marian Basilica more than one hundred times. Since March 14, 2013, one day after his election, he maintained the habit of paying homage to the icon of Our Lady there.
Before every Apostolic Journey, he would also go to the Basilica to seek the intercession of Our Lady.
Most recently, on Palm Sunday, April 13, he repeated this gesture.
Now, with his passing and his public witness, his love and belonging to the Virgin Mary is forever affirmed.
