Pope Francis’ ‘simple’ burial requests made public as Vatican releases his final testament

ROME, ITALY: Pope Francis—who built a reputation for his humility, simplicity, and unfiltered honesty—left this world with a final message that spoke to his character.

The Vatican released the late pontiff’s last testament just hours after his peaceful death on Easter Monday, April 21.

Pope Francis' deep devotion

The document is dated June 29, 2022 — way before Pope Francis' health truly took a turn, Newsweek reported.

The pope began his final message with a moment of reflection: "As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial."

The pope’s lifelong devotion to the Mother of Jesus shone through like sunlight through stained glass.

"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of the Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major," he continued.

This isn’t a typical papal resting place. While most popes end up beneath the hallowed crypts of St Peter’s Basilica, Francis wanted to be laid to rest in a manner that mirrored his entire pontificate.

"I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care," he added.

A pope who said no to opulence — even in death

Forget gold-laced tombs and elaborate carvings. Pope Francis asked for a humble, ground-level tomb tucked away in a quiet side aisle—right between the Pauline Chapel (home to the famous Salus Populi Romani icon) and the Sforza Chapel.

He even included a map for reference.

"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus," he insisted, adding, "The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major."

The logistics were already squared away with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas. Francis left him detailed instructions. "I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica," he wrote.

Francis ended with a poignant prayer.

"May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples," he concluded.

The document was signed: “Santa Marta, 29 June 2022, FRANCIS.”

Pope Francis' funeral

Following his passing, the Vatican’s traditional rituals are underway.

The camerlengo — essentially the Vatican’s go-to guy after a pope dies — and his three assistants will be in charge of planning the big farewell.

First on the agenda is the public viewing. Pope Francis’ body will be moved into St Peter’s Basilica for mourners to pay their respects. It’s a somber moment, especially when they ceremonially destroy the Fisherman’s Ring and his papal lead seal to mark the end of his authority.

Standard Vatican protocol dictates that no autopsy should be performed.

As mentioned, while most pontiffs are laid to rest within the crypt of St Peter’s, Pope Francis is breaking the mold.

Instead of the grand basilica under Vatican City, his final stop will be at Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major — the place he personally loved and visited before and after every apostolic trip.

Furthermore, Pope Francis has asked to be buried in a simple wooden casket, per Newsweek.