In an unprecedented move, Pope Francis has chosen to go against tradition. He will not be buried in Vatican City, but instead interred at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. With this decision, the sovereign pontiff has taken a historic step toward burial practice. For the first time in more than 100 years, a pontiff will not be buried inside the Vatican’s walls.
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, is easy to overlook, but it’s one of the most historically important. The last pope interred there was Clement IX, who died in 1669. In December 2023, Pope Francis announced his intentions for the burial site. Throughout his papacy, he has talked about feeling a deep connection to the basilica, but he has never elaborated.
Pope Francis has long had a special appreciation for Santa Maria Maggiore. He started his first full day as the new leader of the Catholic Church in 2013 from this very spot. He goes to the basilica every week, and each visit is a very important pilgrimage for him. Upon departing the hospital in April 2025, he took a poignant pilgrimage to Santa Maria Maggiore to offer flowers to the Virgin Mary’s icon.
The pontiff’s selection of burial shows the humility and simplicity, central to his own personal beliefs. He specified that he wishes for his tomb to be “simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.” This practice fits into his overall movement toward less pomp and circumstance for papal funerals, something he’s been advocating since the start of his papacy.
Six of his predecessors are buried at Santa Maria Maggiore. This basilica was commissioned by Pope Sixtus III, the same guy who convened the Council of Ephesus in 431. Importance of the basilica Besides its deep history, the basilica plays a significant part in the Catholic Church today. It’s a quite proper final destination for Pope Francis, who often leaves the fruits and protection of his apostolic journeys to the Salus Populi Romani, a Marian icon housed there.
Likely to take place in St. Peter’s Square, this would be an occasion for the public to pay their last respects to Pope Francis. After his passing, his body will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore. This unique arrangement further highlights his desire to be more accessible and connected with the faithful.
Kerry Bruder, a local parishioner, reflected on the significance of Santa Maria Maggiore, stating, “You know that people for centuries have been going in there… and it just made you feel small, but in a good way.” This quote rings true to the basilica’s lasting impression on all who visit, and its purpose to be a sacred sanctuary.
Victoria Ferreira, another member of the congregation, shared her feelings about Pope Francis’s legacy: “He filled us with love, with empathy, with hope.” These words capture the heartfelt attachment so many feel to the pontiff as he winds his way to his final resting place.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is where Pope Francis has decided to be buried. The implications of this decision cannot be overstated. It is perhaps the most important decision in modern papal history. And perhaps most importantly, it illustrates his deep desire to stay in touch with the people and traditions that formed his ministry.
