Why Pope Francis will break tradition and not be buried in Vatican following his death aged 88

Pope Francis will break tradition and not be buried in Vatican after his death on Monday (April 21) at the age of 88.

The Holy Father at the head of the Roman Catholic Church, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, experienced ill health in recent months.

Pope Francis was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital back in February after suffering a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs, and a mild kidney failure.

Earlier this month, he had experienced an 'isolated attack of bronchospasm, which caused an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.'

The Vatican confirmed on Monday (April 21) that Francis had died at 7:35am local time.

Pope Francis has died aged 88 (Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″

In an interview with Mexican broadcaster N+ in 2023, Pope Francis revealed he would be going against tradition and would be laid to rest in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Pope Francis was seen on Easter Sunday (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Traditionally, Popes are buried in the grottoes below St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but Francis instead decided he wanted to be buried in the place he would go to pray before and after trips overseas.

“The place is already prepared. I wish to be buried in St. Mary Major,” Pope Francis said in 2023, adding that he had great devotion to Byzantine Icon of Our Lady, Protectress of the Roman People.

Francis was the first Pope to have been born or raised outside Europe since the Syrian Pope Gregory III, some 1,200 years ago.

Born in Argentina, Francis was praised during his lifetime for his progressive attitude and humility as he was often heard contemplating the war in Ukraine and making comments about the refugee crisis.

Francis also spoke on the ongoing climate emergency, global injustice, and even LGBTQ+ rights during his time as the Pope.

In the UK, King Charles said he and the Queen were 'most deeply saddened' to learn of the Pope’s death and 'were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month'.

Charles and Camilla visited the pontiff at the Vatican on 9 April, the day the royal couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

The King said: “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.”