Pope Francis laid out very specific instructions about his burial in his last will and testament.
Catholics around the world are in mourning as their beloved leader Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio before choosing to be referred to as Francis in honor of the 13th century patron saint Assisi, passed away in the Vatican at the age of 88, at 7.35am local time on Monday (April 21).
His cause of death has been confirmed as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
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Now, his will and testament, which was dated June 29, 2022, has been made public which includes specific requests regarding his final resting place.
"Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial," it read.
In a break from tradition, Pope Francis chose not to be buried in the Vatican.
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He continued: “I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy.
“Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
“I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care.
“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.
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“The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.”
Yes, Pope Francis has requested that his tombstone doesn’t mention that he served as the leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years, unlike others that have held papacy.
His testament continued: “The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.
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“May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me.
“The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”
Topics: Pope Francis, Catholic Church, Religion
Joe Yates