The Vatican has shared Pope Francis’ spiritual testament from 2022, where he asked for a simple burial when he dies.
In his letter dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis said he wants to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
He also asked for his grave to be very simple, with no decorations. He only wants his name, “Franciscus,” written on it.
Here is the full message from Pope Francis:
“In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
As I feel that my time on Earth is almost over, and with strong hope in eternal life, I want to share my last wish, which is about where I want to be buried.
All my life as a priest and bishop, I have trusted the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Because of this, I wish for my body to rest at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major until the day of Resurrection.
I always visited this holy place to pray before and after my trips as Pope. I prayed to Mary for help and thanked her for her care.
I want my tomb to be placed in the side aisle of the basilica, between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, as shown in the plan I left.
My grave should be in the ground, simple, with no special design. It should only say Franciscus.
A benefactor will pay for the burial, and I have made sure the money will go to the basilica. I told Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas to take care of this.
May God bless all the people who loved me and those who pray for me. I offer the pain I’ve felt in my final years to God – for peace in the world and for unity among people.”
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21 at 7:35 a.m. (Vatican time) in his apartment at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City.
According to the Vatican, he died from a stroke, which led to a coma and then heart failure.
