Pope Francis Buried at St Mary Major Basilica in Rome: How the Late Pontiff Broke Tradition with Burial Outside Vatican City

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Contrary to past practices, Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome instead of St. Peter’s Basilica within the Vatican City. This makes him the first pope in over a century to be entombed outside the Vatican’s walls.

The funeral procession for the pope started on a Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square, directly in front of the renowned St. Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who serves as the dean of the College of Cardinals. The proceedings culminated with the solemn final commendation and farewell rituals.

Following the funeral that many global leaders attended, Pope Francis’ casket was solemnly moved in a public procession towards the Basilica of St. Mary Major for a private interment, which was watched by many.

During his time as Pope, Francis frequently visited St. Mary Major. Following a month-long hospitalization in March due to respiratory problems, he paid a special visit to the basilica, bringing flowers. His final visit to the church took place on April 12, mere days before his death from a cerebral stroke on April 21st.

Only seven popes have been laid to rest at St. Mary Major; this number includes many who were buried during the 120-year duration of the building process for St. Peter’s Basilica.)

As a devoted admirer, I’d put it this way: When the time came for Pope Francis to write his last wishes, he asked for a humble resting place, free of grand decorations and ornaments. All that was needed was the simple inscription, “Franciscus,” his papal name inscribed in the language of the early followers of our faith – Latin.

In his lifetime and throughout his service as a priest and bishop, he had consistently relied on the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, for guidance. He expressed his desire that his earthly travels conclude at last within the hallowed grounds of this venerable shrine dedicated to Mary.

As reported by the Vatican, in his last moments, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to his long-term healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, for enabling him to unexpectedly appear on Easter Sunday.

The College of Cardinals is set to select the upcoming pope, with some speculating that contenders for the position include Peter Turkson from Ghana, Luis Tagle of the Philippines, and Peter Erdo from Hungary.

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2025-04-26 16:37