Thursday, May 15, 2025

Popular News

HomeNewsVaticanPope Francis' testament

Pope Francis’ testament

Pope Francis’ testament, dated 29 June 2022, has been published, giving indications for his burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Miserando atque Eligendo
In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. 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.

Popular News

To move aside so that Christ may remain

The first words of Pope Leo XIV offer a precious insight for the life...

Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV to be held on May 18

The Holy See announces the upcoming schedule for the newly elected Pontiff, including the...

Pope Leo XIV to Cardinals: ‘We are to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ’

The morning after being elected the 267th Pope, Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass with...

Augustinian Prior General: Pope Leo XIV is ‘truly close to everyone’

Fr. Alejandro Moral, Prior General of the Augustinians and a long-time friend of the...