Since Pope Francis’s death on Easter Sunday, Catholics worldwide have expressed their sorrow at his passing. Several days after the official announcement, the Vatican published the late Pope’s will, which offers insight into his funeral arrangements and also an encouragement for Christians of all stripes.
As background, Pope Francis’ health has been declining for months, with rumors swirling about his condition as he went in and out of the hospital for pneumonia complications. Shortly after the Pontiff met with Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, the Vatican announced his passing.
Starting off the document, which was written in 2022 but posted on April 22, 2025, the late Pope explained his reasoning for writing it. Francis began, “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.”
Continuing, the Pontiff gave explicit instructions for his burial, saying, “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.”
Continuing his remarks, the pope continued his burial wishes. He stated, “I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
Adding more detail, Pope Francis requested a humble burial, writing, “I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
Providing for the smallest detail, the Pope indicated that his funeral had already been paid for. Pope Francis wrote, “The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.”
In concluding his remarks, the Pope thanked God for his friends and added, “May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. I offer to the Lord the suffering that has marked the final part of my life for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”
After the Pope’s sudden death, many world leaders, including VP JD Vance, expressed their dismay. He said, “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”