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Pope Francis’s Final Testament Revealed by Vatican
The Vatican has released Pope Francis’s last spiritual will, which details his preferences for his final resting place. The 88-year-old pontiff, who recently passed away, had prepared the testament indicating his burial wishes.
Burial Wishes Outlined in Testament
The complete testament of Pope Francis, dated June 29, 2022, has now been made public by the Vatican. In the document, the head of the Catholic Church expresses his desire to be interred within the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. He specifies a “simple” subterranean tomb “without elaborate ornamentation,” making him the first Pope in over a century to be buried outside of the Vatican necropolis. Notably, he will be the first pontiff entombed at the basilica since 1669.
Historic Burial Location in Basilica of St. Mary Major
The Pope’s testament states: “As I feel the approach of the twilight of my earthly existence, and with unwavering hope in eternal life, I wish to communicate my ultimate desires solely concerning my burial site.”
“Throughout my life, and during my service as a priest and bishop, I have consistently entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Consequently, I request that my mortal remains repose – awaiting the day of Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
“My wish is for my final earthly journey to conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would invariably pause to pray at the commencement and conclusion of each Apostolic Journey, faithfully entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and expressing gratitude for her gentle and maternal care.”
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Simple Tomb Desired
“I request that my tomb be prepared in the burial recess in the side aisle situated between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as indicated in the attached schematic.”
“The tomb should be in the earth; unadorned, without special embellishment, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
“The expense of preparing the burial will be covered by funds provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
“I have issued the necessary directives regarding this matter to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.”
“May the Lord bestow a fitting reward upon all those who have cherished me and who continue to pray for me.”
“The suffering that has characterized the latter part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for global peace and for unity among peoples.”
Pope Francis passed away shortly after addressing crowds from the balcony in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Easter Sunday.
Devotees congregated in the square recently for a rosary prayer vigil for the pontiff. Hundreds participated in unified prayer, with many expressing grief.
Pope Francis had participated in several public engagements in recent weeks after a prolonged hospital stay for double pneumonia earlier in the year.