The Vatican has published the complete text of Pope Francis’ testament, dated June 29, 2022, detailing his preferences for burial.
The Pope passed away on Easter Monday at 7:35 this morning (local time) at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Francis’ death followed a series of health complications, including a respiratory crisis that had left him in critical condition in the months leading up to his passing.
In his testament, he expressed a desire to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, specifying that he wished for a “simple” underground tomb “without particular ornamentation.”
This decision marks the first time in over a century that a pontiff will be buried outside the Vatican.
Moreover, he will be the first Pope to be interred at the basilica since 1669.
The Pope’s testament reads in full:
“As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.”
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of the Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.”
“The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
“I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.”
“May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me.”
“The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
