While the death of Pope Francis occurred on April 21, the Vatican is already preparing for the future. In addition to the long -awaited conclave to elect the next pope, the funeral of the deceased are also organized. And he had already chosen where he wanted to be buried.
It is at 88 years old, after serious health problems, that Pope Francis – his real name Jorge Mario Bergoglio – died on April 21, 2025. Before the next conclave which should allow a new sovereign pontiff to the Holy See, the funeral of the deceased must take place within four to six days.
Where will Pope Francis be buried?
The late Pope Francis, elected in 2013 after only five ballot, had already planned everything for his old days and his death. In addition to a letter of resignation written in case he is no longer able to ensure his task, the pope had chosen the place where he wanted to be buried. And, in his image, he had made a new choice …
Indeed, Pope Francis had indicated that he wanted to be buried in the Basilica Sainte-Marie Majeure, in the center of Rome in Italy and not in the crypt of the Saint-Pierre basilica, in the city of Vatican. A first for more than three centuries for a pope! Technically speaking, the Sainte-Marie major basilica is certainly not in the Vatican but the Holy See is fully owner by making an extraterritorial zone in accordance with the Lateran agreements of 1929.
What will the coffin of Pope Francis look like?
The late sovereign pontiff, who during his recent hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome had taken the trouble to respond to a woman victim of adultery, will not be buried in gold. Indeed, the Vatican had published in November 2024 a simplified ritual for papal funerals. Thus, the coffin of Pope Francis should be a simple wooden and zinc coffin. This is the end of an old tradition which included three coffins nested in cypress, lead and oak.
The faithful will be able to pay tribute to Pope Francis since his body will be exhibited in the Saint-Pierre basilica. The Constitution also provides for a period of mourning, known as “November”, scheduled for a period of nine days within the whole Vatican. As for Italy, it should announce national mourning.
