Pope Francis’ Will Reveals Humble Burial Wishes After Death From Stroke

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, following a cerebral stroke that led to heart failure, Vatican officials announced. Within hours, the Vatican shared his will – and it’s as humble as you’d expect from a pope who always seemed to go against the grain.

In a document penned back in June 2022, Francis made it clear he wanted his final resting place to be the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. That’s a break from the tradition of recent popes, who have usually been buried at St. Peter’s Basilica. Francis entrusted his life and ministry to the Mother of Jesus, so it’s fitting he asked to rest in a basilica dedicated to her.

The will states, "I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my Burial." Francis requested to be buried "in the earth, without particular decorum and with the only inscription: Franciscus." He even specified the exact spot – between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel inside Santa Maria Maggiore – and attached a map to make sure no one gets lost on the way.

Francis also arranged for a benefactor to cover the burial expenses and left detailed instructions with Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, the Extraordinary Commissioner overseeing the basilica. In his final words, Francis offered up his suffering for world peace and brotherhood, and hoped the Lord would reward those who loved him and prayed for him.

The official death certificate lists the cause as brain stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiac collapse. Francis had faced mounting health struggles in recent years, including bilateral pneumonia, respiratory insufficiency, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. In fact, he had half of one lung removed as a young man in Argentina, showing he was a fighter from the very start.

Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope and never lost his reputation for shaking up tradition – from his simple lifestyle to his outspoken views. His last public appearance was Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, a fitting send-off for a leader who never stopped reaching out to the crowds.