VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on Monday at the age of 88, just one day after making a surprise appearance during Easter celebrations at St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff succumbed to complications from a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The Holy See also released Pope Francis’ last will, dated June 29, 2022, in which he humbly outlined his final wishes regarding his burial. In the document, Francis noted he had a “lively hope in Eternal Life” and expressed a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, whom he credited with guiding his spiritual journey as both a priest and bishop.
“I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy,” Francis wrote. “Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.”
The Santa Maria Maggiore, a fifth-century Marian basilica in Rome, held particular significance for the pope. It served as a spiritual anchor for him during his more than 100 international apostolic journeys, each of which he began and concluded with a moment of prayer in the basilica.
In keeping with his character and values, the late pontiff requested a modest burial. He asked to be interred in a simple tomb in the side nave between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel within the basilica. His instructions were explicit: the tomb must be “in the earth,” without elaborate decoration, and bearing only one word — Franciscus.
Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Francis declined to reference his papacy on the tomb inscription, reinforcing the humility he exhibited throughout his life and leadership.
The will also specified that the burial expenses would be covered by a benefactor, and arrangements for the funds had already been made through Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.
Francis closed his testament with a prayerful message: “May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”
Usually released closer to the Funeral Mass itself, Holy See publishes Francis’ last Testament, dated March 2022 – “awaiting the day of the Resurrection”…
— Rocco Palmo (@roccopalmo) April 21, 2025
…which, two years later, just so happened to be his final day here below. pic.twitter.com/2Zrgn6U4QX
As the world mourns the loss of a transformative and compassionate spiritual leader, Pope Francis’ final words reflect the enduring legacy of a man who consistently chose simplicity, solidarity, and service over grandeur.