Pope Francis’ Simple Marble Tomb at St. Mary Major Revealed

The Vatican has unveiled details of Pope Francis’ final resting place at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major.

The tomb, crafted from marble, will bear a single inscription: “FRANCISCUS,” reflecting the pope’s preference for simplicity.

The marble was quarried in Liguria, Italy’s slate district, the same coastal hills where his great-grandfather lived before emigrating to Argentina.

Located discreetly in a niche within the basilica’s left aisle, the tomb will be positioned between the Pauline Chapel—home of the revered Marian icon Salus Populi Romani—and the historic Sforza Chapel. The pope’s pectoral cross depicting Christ the Good Shepherd will also be placed above the tomb.

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on April 21, 2025, had a longstanding devotion to the Virgin Mary and often visited the basilica. “The place is already prepared,” Pope Francis said in a 2023 interview.

His choice diverges from recent popes who were buried within Vatican grounds. Pope Francis will become the eighth pope interred at St. Mary Major, the last being Clement IX in 1669.

As part of the pope’s funeral arrangements, a procession from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Mary Major is scheduled to follow the funeral Mass on April 26. A group of poor and needy individuals will welcome Pope Francis’ coffin on the basilica’s steps, honoring his lifelong emphasis on humility and service to the marginalized.

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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