Pope Francis Buried at St. Mary Major, a Church with ‘Very Beautiful’ Connection to His Faith

Pope Francis Laid to Rest at St. Mary Major Basilica in a Symbolic Move

Pope Francis was honoured with a solemn burial at the basilica of St. Mary Major on the recent Saturday, April 26. This diverged from the usual tradition, making Francis the first pope in over a century not to be interred at St. Peter’s Basilica. The significance of this decision is deeply rooted in the pope’s personal connection to the basilica. Shortly after being elected pope, Francis visited the church to pray at the tomb of St. Pius V, highlighting the special place it held in his heart.

The funeral proceedings commenced on the morning of Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. The funeral service concluded with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ coffin was respectfully transferred in a notable procession to the basilica of St. Mary Major for a private burial. The choice to lay him to rest at St. Mary Major was significant due to the pope’s strong affinity for the basilica, which he often visited during his papacy.

Father Patrick Briscoe, a Dominican friar and editor of Our Sunday Visitor magazine, shared insights on Pope Francis’ special connection to St. Mary Major. He highlighted how, as a cardinal, Pope Francis would frequently pray at the icon of the Virgin Mary in the basilica, a practice he continued into his papacy. Briscoe also noted that the pope’s first official act after his election was to visit the basilica, making it a poignant location for his final resting place.

Pope Francis’ tie to St. Mary Major extended throughout his pontificate, with him visiting the church over 100 times, emphasising its significance to him. Despite the norm of popes being buried at St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis opted for a simple burial in accordance with his wishes. He specified in his will his desire for a modest tomb with minimal ornamentation, bearing only the inscription “Franciscus,” his papal name in Latin.

In his final hours, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to his long-time health aide, Massimiliano Strappetti, during an Easter Sunday function. Displaying his humility and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Francis requested to be laid to rest at the Marian sanctuary of St. Mary Major. His final earthly journey ended in a place that held special significance to his spiritual life and papacy.

The pope’s choice to break from tradition and be buried at St. Mary Major exemplifies his humbleness and deep-rooted faith. This decision further cements the legacy of Pope Francis as a spiritual leader who valued simplicity, devotion, and personal connection to sacred places. The basilica of St. Mary Major will now forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who admired and followed the teachings of Pope Francis.