Name: Why Pope Francis won’t be buried at the Vatican
Uploaded: 2025-04-23T11:24:10.124Z
Duration: 1 min 14 s
Description: Pope Francis will be the first pope in hundreds of years to be buried in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The pontiff wished to be buried in a “simple” tomb as CNN’s Christopher Lamb explains.

Pope Francis will be the first pope in hundreds of years to be buried in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The pontiff wished to be buried in a “simple” tomb as CNN’s Christopher Lamb explains.

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Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, the Vatican said.

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Pope Francis has expressed his wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, marking a departure from tradition, as no pope in recent centuries has chosen this burial site. The decision underscores his strong devotion to the site, known for its icon Salus Populi Romani, which holds significant cultural and religious importance to the Roman people. Pope Francis consistently visited the basilica to pray before and after foreign trips, seeking the protection of the Virgin Mary.

The Pope’s decision is closely tied to his desire for simplicity; he wishes for his tomb to be engraved simply with "Franciscus," without any embellishments. His approach reflects his continued efforts to emphasize humility and reform within the papal traditions. This choice aligns with his broader perspective on reforming the papacy through simple and humble gestures.



Why Pope Francis won’t be buried at the Vatican

Well behind me is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where Pope Francis has decided he wants to be buried. Now no Pope in the last few hundred years has been buried here at this ancient Roman Basilica but Pope Francis had a very strong devotion to this place. He would come to the Basilica before and after every foreign trip to pray in front of an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary the Salus Populi Romani which is linked to the protection and the health of the Roman people. Pope Francis in his Last Testament said he always felt under the protection of Mary before each meeting I was told by a Vatican official would go in front of a statue to pray of the Virgin Mary before he would meet heads of state or bishops. So his decision to come here is very significant it shows his devotion to Mary and also his desire for a simple burial. He said that he wants his tomb to simply be engraved with Franciscus. No adornments again Francis in death showing he continues to reform the papacy through his emphasis on simplicity and humility.

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Pope Francis Dies