Vatican City — The Holy See has confirmed that Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, specifically in the Pauline Chapel, as he requested in his Spiritual Testament dated June 29, 2022.
The testament, made public on Monday, April 21, 2025, reflects the Pope’s profound devotion to Maria Salus Populi Romani, the ancient icon housed in the chapel and a central symbol of his papacy.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis asked to be buried in a simple tomb in Rome and arranged for an unnamed benefactor to cover the expenses. “The tomb must be in earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: ‘Franciscus.’
The announcement follows the official medical report released by Dr Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, confirming that Pope Francis died from a stroke, which led to a coma and subsequent irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
The report details the Pope’s complex medical history, which included acute respiratory failure due to multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, hypertension, and Type II diabetes. The final confirmation of death was determined by electrocardiographic thanatography, a method used to record the absence of cardiac activity.
“I hereby declare,” wrote Dr. Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a historic papacy known for its emphasis on mercy, social justice, and the care of creation. His choice to be buried at St. Mary Major, rather than St. Peter’s Basilica, is a deeply symbolic one. He frequently visited the icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani during his travels and at key moments of his pontificate, underscoring his Marian devotion and pastoral approach to leadership.
Details regarding the funeral rites and public veneration are expected to be released by the Vatican in the coming days, with millions around the world anticipated to join in mourning and prayer for the late pontiff.
Pope Francis’ spiritual testament
Miserando atque Eligendo
In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
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.
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.
I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.
I ask that my 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, as shown in the attached plan.
The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
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.
Santa Marta, 29 June 2022
FRANCIS
