Hours after the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican released the contents of his spiritual testament, a document written in his own handwriting and dated June 29, 2024.
The will was released at 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT) on Monday, April 21, after his apartment was sealed at Casa Santa Marta and his body was transferred to the chapel of the same residence, where a private wake was held prior to his public viewing.
His last will: Saint Mary Major
The text, written in Latin and Italian, is full of symbolism, simplicity and deep Marian devotion, values that marked the pontificate of the Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
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The will did not address administrative matters or doctrinal provisions, but focused exclusively on a deeply personal wish: the place of his burial.
Francis requested not to be buried in the Vatican Grottoes, under St. Peter’s Basilica, where most popes are buried.
Francis wanted to be buried in the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s oldest and most emblematic Marian shrines.
“I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy,” the pope wrote in his testament.
I ask that my mortal remains rest, awaiting the day of resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Papa Francisco
Since his election in March 2013, Francis visited this basilica before and after each apostolic journey, to entrust his missions and thank the image of the Salus Populi Romani, the Virgin protector of the Roman people, for her protection.
This Marian devotion, inherited from his Jesuit formation and his family history, accompanied him to the end.
A simple tomb, without ornamentation
The pope requested that his tomb be sober and undecorated, located in a niche in the floor between the Pauline Chapel – where the venerated Marian image is located – and the Sforza Chapel, in one of the side aisles of the basilica.
He also specified that his burial carry only one word:
“Franciscus.
This decision contrasts with past papal funeral traditions, which included multiple coffins and elaborate monuments.
From the beginning of his pontificate, Francis had expressed his preference for simplicity, austerity and closeness to the people, a style that now also characterizes his farewell.
Donation and logistical organization
Buzzy
The costs for the preparation of the burial will be covered by a private donation arranged by Pope Francis himself and previously transferred to the administration of the basilica, he explained in the document.
Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.
At the end of his testament, Francis leaves a reflection of spiritual value, offering his last sufferings “for peace in the world and fraternity among peoples”.
He asks those who loved him to continue to pray for him, and trusts in God’s mercy.
This last message sums up his legacy: a papacy that broke the mold, put the poor at the center, promoted a closer Church and spoke forcefully about social justice and care for the planet.
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