Pope Francis, the first pontiff in over a century to forgo grand funeral rites, has chosen a simple wooden coffin and a small niche within the historic Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome. The basilica’s distinctive bell tower stands on one of Rome’s seven ancient hills in Esquilino, a neighborhood that once served as a burial ground for slaves.
During his 12-year papacy, Francis frequently visited the basilica, often praying before and after trips overseas, with over 100 visits to the site. His most recent visit was just days before his death on Monday at the age of 88. On that occasion, he delivered flowers as he returned to the Vatican.
Francis’s decision to be buried in a humble niche is said to reflect his desire to downplay papal funerals, which he felt were often overembellished. He told journalist Javier MartÃnez-Brocal that he wanted to “be more like a pastor” and avoid the pomp associated with such events.
The basilica, which dates back to the fourth century, has become increasingly popular among pilgrims and tourists in recent years, particularly since Francis’s death. Its stunning coffered ceiling, gilded with gold brought back from the Americas by Christopher Columbus, is one of its most striking features, along with a chapel designed by Michelangelo.
Francis’s final resting place will be close to the Paolina chapel, where he always prayed before venerated Byzantine icon of Mary. The tomb will bear his papal name in Latin: Franciscus. As requested, it will not be decorated and will only feature his name on an unadorned stone pedestal.
The Vatican correspondent for Spanish newspaper ABC described Francis’s encounter with a suspected pickpocket at the basilica as a moment he “will never forget”. The incident occurred when someone approached him and asked for money, but Francis declined.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/25/santa-maria-maggiore-why-pope-francis-buried