Pope Francis has chosen to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This decision reportedly came after an invitation from the Virgin Mary, according to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas. Initially, the Pope had planned to be buried in St. Peter's Basilica. His connection to St. Mary Major stems from his devotion to the Marian icon 'Salus Populi Romani'. The tomb will be located near the Pauline Chapel, with the stone sourced from Liguria.
9 days ago
Pope Francis chose to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the recent tradition of popes being entombed in St. Peter's Basilica 2. He will be the first pope since Clement IX in 1669 to be buried there 2. The decision reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and the basilica's celebrated icon, "Salus Populi Romani" 1.
St. Mary Major is one of Rome's five great ancient basilicas, with its dedication commemorated annually on August 5 1. Legend says a wealthy couple prayed for guidance on how to honor the Virgin Mary, and Mary appeared in a dream, requesting a church be built where snow would fall in midsummer 1. On August 5th, snow fell on Esquiline Hill, marking the church's floor plan 1. The basilica's construction and expansion followed the Council of Ephesus in 431, which affirmed Mary as the Mother of God 1.
Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas revealed that Pope Francis believed the Virgin Mary herself guided him to choose St. Mary Major as his burial place 2 3. The Pope had initially hesitated, feeling obligated to follow the tradition of his predecessors 3. However, he later told Cardinal Makrickas, "The Virgin told me to prepare the tomb" 3. Pope Francis visited the "Salus Populi Romani" icon in the basilica over 120 times during his pontificate, seeking her intercession before and after his international trips 3.
Pope Francis requested a simple tomb, located in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel 1. He wished for it to be "in the earth; simple, without special decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus" 1. The tomb is made of white Ligurian marble, a connection to his Italian heritage 2. Cardinal Makrickas noted that this desire for simplicity aligns with the Pope's decision to reside at Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace 2.
While Pope Francis has expressed a strong personal devotion to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major , there is currently no official confirmation or announcement that Pope Francis will be buried there.
Here's what the provided documents indicate:
In summary, while Pope Francis has a strong connection to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major due to his Marian devotion, there is no information available in the provided documents to support the claim that he will be buried there.