As his health deteriorates, concerns grow over the Pope’s ability to continue leading the Church. However, instead of resting alongside his predecessors in the Vatican, the Pope has chosen a final resting place that reflects his lifelong devotion and humility.
Pope Francis has spent his papacy redefining what it means to be the leader of the Catholic Church, embracing humility and prioritizing the needs of the people. Now, he is making history once again with his decision to forgo burial in the Vatican.At the same time, the Pope’s declining health has raised serious concerns, and, according to reports, as the Vatican navigates this uncertain period, preparations for his eventual passing are quietly taking shape.
Pope Francis Breaks Tradition with His Funeral Plans
Pope Francis made it clear that when his time comes, he does not want to be buried in the Vatican like many of his predecessors. Instead, he expressed his wish to be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, a place deeply tied to his personal devotion.
In a December 12, 2023, interview with Mexican news outlet N+, the Pope, in good spirits, openly discussed his funeral plans. He revealed that he had already spoken with Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, his master of liturgical ceremonies, about the arrangements.
“We simplified them quite a bit,” he said before jokingly adding, “I will premiere the new ritual.” This decision marked a significant departure from tradition.
Historically, popes have been buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The last pontiff to break this custom was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and was interred at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.As for St. Mary Major, six popes have been buried there, but the most recent was Pope Clement IX in 1669. Pope Francis’ reasoning for his choice was deeply personal.
“It’s my great devotion,” he said, explaining that before becoming pope, he would visit the basilica on Sunday mornings whenever he traveled to Rome.The site houses the revered Byzantine-style icon known as Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the People of Rome), which depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus.
The Pope has long expressed a special connection to this image, often praying before it after returning from his papal trips. His preference for a final resting place outside the Vatican aligns with his broader emphasis on humility and simplicity.
By November 2024, he had revised the funeral rites that would be used upon his death, streamlining the rituals to highlight his role as a bishop rather than an exalted figure.
The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported that he approved the updated liturgical book on April 29, replacing the previous version last updated in 2000.The decision to revise these rites came in the wake of Pope Benedict XVI’s death on December 31, 2022. As the first retired pope in 600 years, Benedict’s funeral posed unique challenges for the Vatican, prompting Pope Francis to work with Monsignor Ravelli to simplify the traditional ceremonies.
Although Pope Francis had faced several health setbacks, he remained hopeful about his future, saying he felt “quite well” at the time.
However, he acknowledged the concerns surrounding his condition responding when asked if people should be concerned about his health, “Yes, a little bit, yes. I need them to pray for my health.”
Despite experiencing various health scares, the Pope confirmed that he had never seriously considered resignation in 2023. However, he did not dismiss the possibility in the future, reaffirming his stance that a pope could step down if necessary.
“I ask the Lord to say enough, at some point, but when he wants me to,” he said. If he ever were to retire, Pope Francis stated that he would not live within the Vatican but would instead reside somewhere in Rome in a home for retired priests.
His choice of burial at St. Mary Major further reinforces his commitment to remaining close to the people and the traditions of the city he has long served. “The place is already prepared,” he said.