Last rest for Pope Francis: A simple grave in Rome!

Last rest for Pope Francis: A simple grave in Rome!

Basilika Santa Maria Maggiore, Rom, Italien - On April 25, 2025, Pope Francis' final resting place in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore was officially announced. The Vatican published several photos that show the grave that was set up in a niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza chapel. The grave is simply designed and made of marble from the Italian region of Liguria. The name of the Pope in Latin, Franciscus, will be engraved on the grave slab.

The grave is in the immediate vicinity of the “Salus Populi Romani” Marienikone, which was of particular importance for the late Pope. Francis often prayed in front of this icon, most recently about a week before his death. The upcoming funeral ceremonies are expected by many believers and cardinals who travel to Rome. In his will, Francis expressly expressed the wish to be buried in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and to have a modest funeral.

funeral and new rituals

The funeral of Pope Francis takes place on April 26, 2025. According to the new rite that Pope Francis passed in April 2024, the body is laid out in the open coffin. The coffin will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on April 23 at 9 a.m. Unlike in the tradition, in which three coffins are used, the deceased Pope is buried in a single coffin. The body is displayed in a wooden coffin, no longer on a catafalc in St. Peter's Basilica, which simplifies the ceremony.

A cloth made of white silk will cover the face of you Pope, and a bag with coins from the pontificate is placed in the coffin, the traditional rite remains with the three classic “stations”: living place, Petersdy and burial location. The constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis" regulates the burial within four to six days after death. These reforms aimed to make the funeral easier and to adapt it to the curia reform of 2022.

costs and financial aspects

From next Sunday, April 27, believers have the opportunity to visit the Pope's final resting place. The head of the basilica, Rolandas Makrickas, received the instructions for the funeral directly from the Pope, which brings out the personal note and the most modest wish of Francis. The mourning time will offer space for the choice of the next Pope and for reflection on the work of Francis.

For further details on the funeral rites and the planning Vatican News Vatican.

like Krone, this simple but very important ceremony will surely captivate many believers and cultural workers.