Inside Pope Francis’ Funeral Plans as He Chooses a Final Resting Place Outside the Vatican
With concerns growing over Pope Francis’ health, discussions surrounding his eventual passing have intensified. However, in a significant break from tradition, the Pope has chosen not to be buried in the Vatican alongside his predecessors. Instead, his final resting place will reflect his lifelong values of humility and devotion.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has redefined the role of the Catholic Church’s leader, focusing on serving the people with simplicity and compassion. Now, as he prepares for the future, he has made history once again by choosing to forgo burial within the Vatican’s sacred grounds.
Pope Francis’ Decision to Break Tradition
Unlike many popes before him, Pope Francis has made it clear that he does not wish to be buried in the Vatican. Instead, he has expressed a strong desire to be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, a site deeply tied to his personal spirituality.
In a December 12, 2023, interview with the Mexican news outlet N+, Pope Francis openly discussed his funeral plans. He shared that he had already consulted with Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, his master of liturgical ceremonies, about simplifying the arrangements.
“We streamlined them quite a bit,” he remarked, even joking, “I will premiere the new ritual.” This decision marks a notable departure from the long-standing tradition of papal burials in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
The last pope to deviate from this tradition was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and was interred at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. While six popes have been buried at St. Mary Major, the most recent was Pope Clement IX in 1669. For Pope Francis, this choice is deeply personal.
“It’s my great devotion,” he explained, noting that before his election as pope, he often visited the basilica on Sunday mornings whenever he was in Rome. The site also houses the revered Byzantine-style icon Salus Populi Romani, which depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus—an image that has long held special significance for him.
Pope Francis’ decision to be buried outside the Vatican aligns with his broader commitment to humility and simplicity. By November 2024, he had also revised the funeral rites for popes, streamlining the rituals to emphasize his role as a bishop rather than an exalted figure. The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported that he approved these updates on April 29, replacing the previous liturgical book last updated in 2000.
The decision to revise the rites followed the death of Pope Benedict XVI on December 31, 2022. As the first retired pope in 600 years, Benedict’s funeral posed unique challenges for the Vatican. Pope Francis collaborated with Monsignor Ravelli to simplify the ceremonies, ensuring a more straightforward and accessible approach.
Despite facing health struggles, Pope Francis remained optimistic. When asked if people should be concerned about his condition, he candidly responded, “Yes, a little bit, yes. I need them to pray for my health.” Though he had never seriously considered resignation in 2023, he acknowledged that he might step down if necessary, stating that he would prefer to live in a home for retired priests in Rome rather than within the Vatican.
His choice of burial site further reinforces his desire to remain close to the people and the traditions of the city he has long served. “The place is already prepared,” he confirmed.
Health Concerns and Vatican Preparations
On February 14, Vatican News reported that Pope Francis had been admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital after struggling with bronchitis for several days. His condition affected his ability to deliver public addresses, and his prepared remarks were delegated to others during multiple events.
Doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia by February 18, prompting immediate treatment with corticosteroids and antibiotics due to a polymicrobial infection. Despite the severity of his symptoms, Pope Francis remained in good spirits, alternating between rest, prayer, and reading.
However, on February 22, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope’s condition had become critical. Reports stated that he had suffered a respiratory crisis requiring high-flow oxygen. Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia and anemia, necessitating transfusions. Though still alert, he was noticeably more fatigued.
By February 23, Pope Francis had spent his ninth consecutive night in the hospital. Vatican officials announced that he would remain under medical care for at least another week. While doctors reassured the public that he was not in immediate danger, they emphasized that his condition was still serious.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, clarified that Pope Francis was not on a ventilator but continued to experience breathing difficulties. He was advised to limit physical activity, marking a significant departure from his usual determination to maintain his routine. Despite his condition, he remained engaged and even managed to exchange lighthearted remarks with his doctors.
Medical experts expressed concern over the risk of a bacterial infection leading to sepsis, though Dr. Alfieri remained hopeful that the Pope would eventually recover and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. However, even after being discharged, he would likely continue to struggle with chronic respiratory issues.
For the first time, the Pope was unable to deliver his traditional morning Angelus sermon, a rare occurrence during his hospital stays. Insiders noted that he was now adhering strictly to medical directives, a notable shift in behavior.
This hospitalization was not Pope Francis’ first health challenge. In March 2023, he was admitted for several days due to a respiratory infection. Later, in June 2023, he underwent abdominal surgery to treat an incisional hernia, requiring a nine-day hospital stay. Even then, he sought to maintain a low profile, discreetly returning to the Vatican through a side gate to avoid the gathered press.
As of February 24, Vatican sources reported that Pope Francis had spent a restful tenth night in the hospital. Despite some signs of improvement, concerns about his health continued to mount. Rumors circulated that the Swiss Guard had begun heightened internal preparations for the Pope’s possible passing. However, a spokesperson dismissed these claims, insisting that security operations remained unchanged.
Despite the uncertainty, Pope Francis has remained focused on completing his key initiatives and appointments, ensuring that his progressive vision for the Church will endure beyond his tenure. Cardinal Angelo Comastri reflected on the Pope’s state of mind, saying, “Francis is very serene. His helm is in the hands of the Lord.”
Meanwhile, outside Gemelli Hospital, devoted followers gathered in prayer, hoping for the Pope’s recovery. The world continues to watch as Pope Francis navigates this critical period, his legacy of humility and service firmly intact.
