In keeping with his humble lifestyle and leadership style, the late Pope Francis has requested to be buried in a plain, undecorated grave, with no titles or elaborate adornments, the Vatican revealed on Monday.
The details were made public through the publication of his will, written in 2022, where the Pope clearly outlined his final wishes regarding his burial. The 88-year-old spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away recently after suffering a stroke and heart failure, left behind a legacy of simplicity, service, and spiritual devotion.
In the will, dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis wrote: “Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only as regards the place of my burial.”
He requested that his “mortal remains rest awaiting the day of the resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore,” a church he held close to his heart throughout his life as Pontiff.
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome, and Pope Francis visited it before and after almost every international trip he made during his papacy. Known for its spiritual significance and historical richness, the basilica holds deep symbolic meaning for Catholics around the world.
Unlike many of his predecessors who were buried under St. Peter’s Basilica or received elaborate tombs, Pope Francis has chosen a simple grave “in the earth,” according to the will. He gave precise instructions for the location — a side nave of the basilica — and even included a hand-drawn diagram to guide those who will carry out his wishes.
He was specific that the tomb should be “without particular decoration” and should carry only one word: “Franciscus.”
This decision reflects the Pope’s consistent message of humility, equality, and closeness to the poor. Throughout his papacy, he lived in a modest guesthouse rather than the grand papal apartments and often spoke out against excess, vanity, and the glorification of power.
In the same document, Pope Francis stated that the expenses for the burial had already been arranged, showing his desire not to burden the Church with the cost of his funeral arrangements.
By making his final instructions public and clear, he also ensured that there would be no debate or confusion over how his burial should be handled — a move many have praised as responsible and deeply thoughtful.
Pope Francis ended his will with a spiritual message that captured his lifetime of commitment to peace and unity:
“I offered the suffering that became present in the last part of my life to the Lord for world peace and brotherhood among peoples,” he wrote.
He also asked God to “give the deserved reward to those who loved me and will continue to pray for me.”
The Pope’s final message aligns with many of the themes that defined his leadership of the Catholic Church — care for others, spiritual hope, and a desire to see unity among all nations and religions.
Following his passing, leaders from around the world and the global Catholic community have expressed their sorrow and respect for Pope Francis. From Africa to Asia, from the Americas to Europe, millions have praised him for being a Pope who truly walked the path of humility and service.
In Nigeria, where the Catholic Church has a large and active population, church leaders are planning memorial Masses and prayer sessions to honour his memory. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has commended his example of leadership and has urged Nigerians to emulate his lifestyle of simplicity and dedication to peace.
The Vatican is now preparing for the funeral and burial ceremony in line with the Pope’s instructions. While official dates have not been announced, sources within the Vatican say the burial could take place within the week.
The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore will be the centre of attention as pilgrims and faithful begin to arrive to pay their last respects. Pope Francis will be buried in the exact spot he chose, with a small plaque bearing only his papal name.
In accordance with Catholic tradition, a nine-day mourning period will follow, during which Masses and prayers will be held. Following this, the College of Cardinals will begin the process of selecting a new Pope.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected as the 266th Pope in 2013. He was the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold the position.
Throughout his time as Pontiff, he was widely respected for his straightforward manner, care for the environment, outreach to the poor, and calls for social justice. He constantly reminded world leaders and the Church to listen to the voices of the marginalised.
His choice of a simple grave without titles or honourifics is seen as the final chapter in a life lived with humility. Many believe that even in death, Pope Francis has left the Church with a powerful message: Leadership is service, not privilege.
