The Vatican on Tuesday, April 22, revealed the last wishes of the late Pope Francis even as preparations for the Pope's burial commenced.
Through a statement, Vatican News released the late Pope's spiritual testament, dated 29 June 2022, giving indications for his burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. In his testament, Pope Francis requested that his tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus. "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," noted the testament.
A photo of the late Pope Francis lying in state at the chapel of Santa Marta on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in the Vatican.
Photo Catholic News Service/Vatican Media "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," it further added.
