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Pope Leo XIV Prays At Pope Francis’ Tomb - Rome

Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer in front of the tomb of his predecessor pope Francis in the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome, Italy on November 3, 2025. Before heading to Castel Gandolfo for his customary weekly day of rest, Pope Leo XIV stopped at around 8:05 p.m. in the evening at the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the tomb of Pope Francis. On the marble slab, where a white rose is always placed in memory of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a constant spiritual presence in the life of the Argentine pontiff, Pope Leo laid a bouquet of white roses. It was a gesture of homage to his predecessor, buried between the Sforza Chapel and the Pauline Chapel. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ ABACPRESS.COM

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Pope Leo XIV Prays At Pope Francis’ Tomb - Rome

Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer in front of the tomb of his predecessor pope Francis in the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome, Italy on November 3, 2025. Before heading to Castel Gandolfo for his customary weekly day of rest, Pope Leo XIV stopped at around 8:05 p.m. in the evening at the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the tomb of Pope Francis. On the marble slab, where a white rose is always placed in memory of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a constant spiritual presence in the life of the Argentine pontiff, Pope Leo laid a bouquet of white roses. It was a gesture of homage to his predecessor, buried between the Sforza Chapel and the Pauline Chapel. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ ABACPRESS.COM

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Pope Leo XIV Prays At Pope Francis’ Tomb - Rome

Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer in front of the tomb of his predecessor pope Francis in the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome, Italy on November 3, 2025. Before heading to Castel Gandolfo for his customary weekly day of rest, Pope Leo XIV stopped at around 8:05 p.m. in the evening at the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the tomb of Pope Francis. On the marble slab, where a white rose is always placed in memory of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a constant spiritual presence in the life of the Argentine pontiff, Pope Leo laid a bouquet of white roses. It was a gesture of homage to his predecessor, buried between the Sforza Chapel and the Pauline Chapel. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ ABACPRESS.COM

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Pope Leo XIV Prays At Pope Francis’ Tomb - Rome

Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer in front of the icon of Salus Populi Romani in the Pauline Chapel, a Marian image beloved by his predecessor pope Francis in the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome, Italy on November 3, 2025. Before heading to Castel Gandolfo for his customary weekly day of rest, Pope Leo XIV stopped at around 8:05 p.m. in the evening at the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the tomb of Pope Francis. On the marble slab, where a white rose is always placed in memory of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a constant spiritual presence in the life of the Argentine pontiff, Pope Leo laid a bouquet of white roses. It was a gesture of homage to his predecessor, buried between the Sforza Chapel and the Pauline Chapel. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ ABACPRESS.COM

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Vespers Service Inside St Mary Major Basilica - Rome

The tomb of late Pope Francis in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘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’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo: (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

A white rose lays on the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

A white rose lays on the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

People queue to see the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

A white rose lays on the tomb of Pope Francis on the first day of its opening to the public in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

The tomb of late Pope Francis in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo: (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

The tomb of late Pope Francis in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘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’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo: (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

The tomb of late Pope Francis in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo: (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tomb Of Pope Francis At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - Rome

The tomb of late Pope Francis in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025. Pope Francis (1936-2025) wrote in his testament that he wanted to be buried in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major). ‘I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus’. Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo: (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Pope Francis Tomb Project - Vatican

Pope Francis' Tomb Project. April 24, 2025. The tomb was made of marble of Ligurian origin with only the inscription "FRANCISCUS" and reproduction of his pectoral cross. The tomb was prepared in the niche in the aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The tomb is located near the Altar of St. Francis. Photo by Catholic Press Photo/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door (left) which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door (left) which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Place Where Pope Francis Wants To Be Buried - Rome

Pope Francis wrote in his testament that he wants to be buried behind this door which is in the left nave of the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) in Rome, Italy on April, 2025. ‘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’ . Unlike the majority of popes who have been interred beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has reportedly made arrangements to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas, has historically been the resting place of seven pope. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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