The Vatican has released the last will and testament of Pope Francis following the pontiff’s death on Easter Monday morning at age 88. Francis served as head of the Church for just over twelve years, his papacy marked by humility and outreach.
Dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis’ testament solely addresses his burial plans, requesting simplicity and modesty reflective of his life and ministry. He asked explicitly that his remains be interred at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
“I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Pope Francis wrote, reflecting the consistent Marian devotion he had throughout his pontificate.
The Pope specified that his final resting place should be situated in the burial niche between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel within the Basilica. He emphasized simplicity, requesting a tomb placed in the ground, “without particular ornamentation,” marked only with the inscription “Franciscus.”
Expenses for preparing the burial were already covered by an anonymous benefactor, with instructions given to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica, to oversee the arrangements.
Concluding his testament, Pope Francis offered his final sufferings for global peace and fraternity, writing, “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.”
The Vatican began public viewing and funeral ceremonies on April 23, culminating in the burial at Saint Mary Major on April 26.
As the Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared a collection of prayers from the Roman Missal to help you with praying for the eternal repose of the late Holy Father’s soul, available at the link below.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord! 🙏
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