Why did Pope Francis choose to break with Vatican burial tradition?  What we know

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, broke tradition by choosing a burial site outside the Vatican Grottoes, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome. By doing so, he became the first pope in 120 years to be laid to rest differently, according to reports.

According to CBS News, it was his will to be buried in a “simple” coffin made of wood, unlike her predecessors, who were buried in three nested coffins - one made of cypress, one made of lead, and one made of elm. Before Francis, seven popes were buried at St. Mary Major, but he is the first pope in centuries.

Pope Francis was laid to rest in a private burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on April 26, 2025. His funeral was attended by more than 250,000 people in St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding areas, according to official Vatican figures. It also included US President Donald Trump.

His move depended on several reasons, primarily rooted in his emphasis on humility, simplicity, and his personal spiritual connection to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He has expressed a desire to be buried in a specific manner in his will. Here is everything we know.

Read more: When did Pope Francis make his last appearance? Tributes pour in as sovereign dies at 88 due to double pneumonia battle

What did Pope Francis write in his will about his burial tradition?

In his will, Pope Francis expressed that he wished to be buried in the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major because it was a place of personal devotion where he prayed at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey.

According to a report in CBS News, he wrote:

“I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care.”

He added:

“The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.”

He also said the costs of his burial would be covered “by a sum provided by a benefactor”. According to a report in CNN, the Basilica of St. Mary Major held deep significance for Francis, who frequently visited on Sunday mornings to venerate the Virgin Mary.

Breaking up with tradition, the pope’s body was laid in state for three days in St. Peter's Basilica, where people paid their respects. People were also able to view the pope as he was kept in an open coffin.

The change was a part of the recently updated Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs, per the CBS News. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, said in a statement:

"The renewed rite also needed to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world."

According to Catholic Review, Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the five great ancient basilicas in Rome. It has the tallest bell tower in the capital, which rises to a height of 246 feet, and is placed at the highest point in the city.

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