Pope Francis, who died on Monday 21 April at the age of 88, will be buried in the Basilica of Our woman the Greater in Rome. This is an extraordinary choice due to the fact that traditionally popes are buried in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Caves. Why did Pope Francis decide to bury in the Basilica of Our woman the Greater?
Our woman the Greater Basilica is 1 of the oldest and most crucial basilicas in Rome. It is located on the hill of Esquilin and was consecrated to St. Mary of Nazareth. This basilica is of peculiar importance to Pope Francis, who regularly visited her during his pontificate. Pope Francis prayed in this basilica before the painting of Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People) over 125 times.
The selection of Our Lady's Basilica as burial site is besides related to the Pope's desire to be buried in a humble grave. In his will, Pope Francis wrote: “I ask my grave to be prepared in a niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (the Chapel of Salus Populi Romani) and the Chapel of Sforzate, in the same basilica.” The grave is to be simple, without peculiar decoration, with the only inscription: Franciscus.
Pope Francis will not be the first pope buried in the Basilica of Our woman the Greater. Before him there were 7 another popes: Nicholas IV, Pius V, Sixtus V, Clement VIII, Paul V, Clement IX and Honorius III. However, Pope Francis will be the first pope to be buried in the Basilica of Our woman in more than 120 years.
The ceremony of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St Peter's Square in the Vatican. Then, according to the pope's will, his body will be buried in the Basilica of Our woman the Greater.
Our woman the Greater Basilica is besides the place where the relic of Jesus' manger and the icon of Mary, to which Pope Francis prayed, asking for protection from all journey. This basilica is besides called Our Lady's Basilica at Żłobek (Santa Maria ad Presepe).
The selection of the Basilica of Our woman the Greater as the burial place of Pope Francis is an expression of his peculiar attachment to Our woman and his desire to be buried in a place which was an crucial place of prayer and reflection for him. Pope Francis will be remembered as 1 of the most respected and liked popes in the past of the Catholic Church. His burial in Our Lady's Basilica will be an expression of his faithfulness to the Church and his conviction of the importance of prayer and reflection in spiritual life.
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Pope Francis: Last will and burial in the Basilica of Our woman the Greater
