Pope Francis will be the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican Grottoes when he is laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a fourth-century church in Rome’s Esquilino district. The decision was made after Pope Francis had a vision from the Virgin Mary, requesting that she arrange for his burial.
The basilica has a rich history, dating back to the 4th century when it was built on an ancient hill where Rome was founded. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to two aristocrats and Pope Liberius, asking them to build a church in her honor. The story is said to be miraculous, with snow falling on the chosen location during the height of summer.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis visited the basilica 126 times, often praying to the Salus Populi Romani, or health/protectress of the Roman people. He considered this icon an ally in his efforts, visiting it frequently and even having it brought to St. Peter’s Basilica during the coronavirus pandemic.
The simplicity of Pope Francis’ resting place follows his preference for simplicity throughout his life. His will requested a single wooden casket lined with zinc, unlike traditional papal burials which involve multiple coffins.
The basilica has been a significant location in Rome for centuries, and its current residents include seven other popes who were buried there during the 120-year construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. The chapel housing the Salus Populi Romani was crowded with visitors before Pope Francis’ funeral, eager to catch one last glimpse of him.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/25/nx-s1-5377342/pope-francis-funeral-burial-basilica-st-mary-major-church