• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Why Pope Francis will break tradition and not be buried in Vatican following his death aged 88

Home> News> World News

Updated 11:39 21 Apr 2025 GMT+1Published 10:47 21 Apr 2025 GMT+1

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

The Vatican announced on Monday that Pope Francis had died aged 88

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

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.

Advert

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)
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.

Advert

“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.

Advert

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

Advert

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.

Advert

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.”

Featured Image Credit: Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Topics: Catholic Church, News, Pope Francis, Religion, World News

Callum Jones
Callum Jones

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

6 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • 6 mins ago

    Cruise passengers receive chilling news about captain of ship who died with just one week left on 19-day voyage

    Cruise passengers were informed with a letter

    News
  • an hour ago

    Doctor issues warning to wash body part that's often overlooked as it can lead to serious health issues

    Dr. Roger Kapoor has detailed why it's important not to forget this part of your body when in the shower

    News
  • an hour ago

    Judge blocks Trump's education executive order and orders agency to reinstate fired employees

    Trump's administration sacked around 2,000 Department of Education employees

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    How USA's $1,500,000,000,000 lithium deposit could boost America amid China threat and Tesla drop

    The stuff is called 'white gold' for a reason...

    Technology
  • Reason why Pope Francis' ring will be destroyed with special hammer following death aged 88
  • All the cardinals in line to be the next Pope following Pope Francis' death aged 88
  • Two major ways Pope Francis chose to break tradition at his funeral
  • Doctor details Pope Francis' heartbreaking final moments before death aged 88