Last Will And Testament Of Pope Breaks From Papal Tradition
on Apr 23, 2025
Pope Francis’ Will Reflects The Confidence Of His Faith
Few Bishops of Rome have lived with the maverick reputation of Pope Francis, 88, who died on Monday, April 21, the day after Easter Sunday.
But what happens when a pope dies?
Funeral arrangements are already underway, and Pope Francis laid out a few areas where he will break with papal tradition.
In his will, which the Vatican released shortly after his death, Pope Francis began by writing his motto, “Miserando atque Eligendo.” From Latin, this translates to “By having mercy, by choosing him,” which is a quote from an 8th century homily by Saint Bede on the subject of Christ’s selection of Matthew as a disciple.
A Burial Outside of The Vatican
While Pope Francis submitted his will in 2022, at the age of 85, he wrote, “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.”
Continuing, he said:
“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.”
The final resting place of most popes is in St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican City, but Pope Francis instead chose the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major for its significance in his own spiritual life.
Following his trips abroad, Pope Francis said he would go to “the ancient Marian sanctuary” in Rome to pray, adding he entrusted his “intentions to the Immaculate Mother … giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
Within the basilica, he asked that his “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.”
Additionally, he advised that “the tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
A benefactor was previously selected by Pope Francis to cover the burial costs, with funds to be transferred to the basilica.
Concluding his will, Pope Francis offered, “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.”
RELATED: Who Will Succeed Pope Francis?
Funeral Plans
Presently, Pope Francis’ body is lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
After Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo, seals Pope Francis’ coffin in the evening of Friday, April 25, the funeral Mass will occur the next morning, on April 26, in St. Peter’s Square.
Following the Vatican’s liturgical text for papal funerals, Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony.
Thousands of Catholics and political leaders are expected to attend.
At the White House Press Conference on Tuesday, April 22, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral, returning to the United States later that day.
