Pope Francis’s final testament reveals his simple wish for burial at Marian shrine
The late pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday, asked to be laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
This photo taken and handout on 31 May 2022 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis praying by the Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child "Salus Populi Romani" as he presides over the Rosary for peace in Ukraine and end to wars worldwide, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP
The Vatican has released the final testament of Pope Francis, written nearly three years before his death. The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday morning, 21 April, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. He led the Catholic Church for just over 12 years.
In a report by Catholic News Agency (CNA), the full text of the late pope’s final wishes was published in accordance with Vatican protocol. Pope Francis’ testament, dated 29 June 2022, is presented below in full and unedited:
Miserando atque Eligendo (“With having mercy and choosing him”)
In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
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.
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.
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.
I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
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.
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.
Santa Marta, 29 June 2022
FRANCIS
(Source: Catholic News Agency, Vatican News)