Pope Francis’s final wishes have been revealed through his spiritual testament. It details his desired resting place and his last instructions concerning his burial arrangements.
Pope Francis recently died at 88 years old. His final wishes were recorded in a spiritual testament dated June 29, 2022, and recently made public. In the document, Pope Francis outlined his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and specified that he wished to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
Explaining his choice, he noted that he would always visit the Basilica at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, placing his intentions before the Immaculate Mother and giving thanks for her “gentle and maternal care.”
He asked that his tomb be placed in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel, also known as the Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel, according to the attached plan. Pope Francis requested a simple tomb, set in the ground, without any special ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
He arranged for the burial costs to be covered by a donation from a benefactor, with funds transferred directly to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. He confirmed, “I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.”
The spiritual testament began with the words, “In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.” It reflected his enduring spiritual focus and his personal motto, “Miserando atque Eligendo.”
Pope Francis closed the testament with words of gratitude, asking for the Lord to reward those who had loved him and continued to pray for him. He offered the sufferings of his final years “for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.” The document was signed simply, “FRANCIS,” and dated from Santa Marta on June 29, 2022.
