Why Francis will be the first Pope buried outside the Vatican in 120 years
Pope breaks with tradition over burial site
- Pope Francis will be buried outside the Vatican in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major), breaking with tradition.
- This is the first papal burial outside the Vatican in over a century, the last being Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
- The Pope's chosen burial site reflects his humble approach to the papacy, a characteristic he maintained throughout his tenure.
- St Mary Major Basilica held significance for Pope Francis due to his devotion to Mary, Mother of God, and he frequently prayed there during his papacy.
- His burial will be simple, as per his wishes, with his grave marked only with his papal name in Latin, "Franciscus".
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks