In the later years of his life, Pope Francis declared his faith in a spiritual testament that also included his final wishes for his funeral and burial.
Written by the Pope on June 29, 2022, the spiritual testament was published by the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Burial Location In his spiritual testament, Pope Francis requested that his mortal remains be laid to rest in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. "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. "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," the Pope wrote.
