Pope Francis has revealed plans for a modest funeral and his wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a site deeply meaningful to him throughout his papacy. In an interview with a Mexican broadcaster last year, the Pope expressed his desire to rest eternally in the historic basilica, according to The New York Times.
Santa Maria Maggiore holds special significance for Pope Francis. He visited the basilica the day after his election in 2013 and made it a personal tradition to pray there before and after every international trip, particularly before the revered icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, known as the Protector of the People of Rome.
In line with his humble approach, Pope Francis has also simplified papal funeral rites. He eliminated the long-standing tradition of placing the deceased pope on an elevated bier in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. He has also chosen to be buried in a single zinc-lined wooden coffin, moving away from the traditional triple-casket system of cypress, lead, and oak.
Upon the Pope’s death, the conclave to elect his successor will begin 15 to 20 days later in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under the age of 80 will be eligible to participate in the secret ballot to determine the next leader of the Catholic Church.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)