Pope Francis has made a surprising decision regarding his burial place, as revealed in an interview broadcast on Wednesday. Instead of being buried in the traditional location of St Peter's Basilica alongside his predecessors, the pontiff expressed his desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This choice breaks a century-old tradition, as the last pope to opt for a tomb outside of St Peter's was Leo XIII, who passed away in 1903 and was interred in the basilica of St John Lateran in Rome.
Santa Maria Maggiore holds a special significance for Pope Francis, as he has a deep personal connection to the basilica. Even before assuming the papacy, he would frequently visit the basilica on Sundays during his trips to Rome. Since his election in 2013, he continues to pray at Santa Maria Maggiore before and after embarking on journeys and has sought solace there following his recent surgery. The basilica, being one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, has served as the final resting place for seven previous popes, according to the Vatican News.
In addition to discussing his burial plans, Pope Francis shared his intentions to visit Belgium in 2024. Furthermore, he expressed his hope to visit his native Argentina and Polynesia, demonstrating his desire to connect with different regions of the world. These revelations offer insights into the pope's future plans and aspirations.
Pope Francis' decision to choose Santa Maria Maggiore as his burial place not only reflects his personal attachment to the basilica but also marks a departure from longstanding tradition. By selecting this location, he will become the first pope in over a century to be interred outside the Vatican. This choice underscores the pope's individuality and his unique approach to his papal tenure.
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