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Following Pope Francis’ passing, tributes to his life and family have begun, along with details about his funeral. His spiritual testament, a document he penned years earlier detailing his burial wishes, became public soon after his death announcement.
© Getty ImagesAccording to an official Vatican bulletin, the testament was written by the Holy Father on June 29, 2022. He stated, “As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.”
© Anadolu via Getty Images, Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty ImagesWith that, Pope Francis clarified that the issue wasn’t about material things—just one simple request tied to his faith. His connection to the Virgin Mary had always been central to his life.
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of the Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
That basilica wasn’t just symbolic for him. It was where he always went to pray before and after his travels. “I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
Pope Francis chose Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place
He gave precise instructions for his burial, reflecting the humility and simplicity he was known for: “I ask that my tomb be placed in the side aisle, between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel, as shown in the attached annex. "The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus."
© Getty ImagesPope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, added, "The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica."
He closed his testament with a heartfelt message: "May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples."
Pope Francis said he never received a salary
In 2023, The Pope: Answers showed a different side of Pope Francis. He sat down with ten young people for an honest conversation. Most of them weren’t part of the Church, which made the exchange feel even more real.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAt one point, someone asked about money, and the Pope laughed. “No, they don’t pay me,” he said. “And when I need money to buy shoes or something else, I go and ask. I don’t have a salary, but that doesn’t worry me, because I know they feed me for free.” He told them his lifestyle is simple, like that of a typical office worker. And when it comes to bigger expenses, he tries not to burden the Holy See. Instead, he asks others for help.
