Europa Press, Pixelshot, en.edatv.news Confirmed: They Reveal What Pope Francis's Tomb Will Be Like and Everyone Notices the Same Thing
After it was confirmed what Pope Francis's tomb will be like, one detail in particular has captured all the public's attention
The Vatican has surprised with an announcement that many desired. Since his election, Pope Francis was known for his simple and approachable style, and now, that same spirit is reflected in his latest wishes. However, it has been another detail that has caught everyone's attention the most.
It is not just a resting place, but a final declaration of principles. Throughout his pontificate, Francis rejected symbols of power and opted for gestures of simplicity. His tomb has been no exception, and his choice has marked a difference from what is traditionally expected in Rome.
An Unadorned Design That Reflects His Life
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis's tomb will be located in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in the heart of Rome. This place was special to him from the beginning of his pontificate. He went there to pray before and after each of his trips, and it was also the first temple he visited after being elected Pope.
The burial site will be between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, areas that hold deep spiritual significance. It will be composed of white Ligurian marble, a material chosen for its purity and strength. According to Vatican architect Stefano Lucchini, this marble was also selected for its connection to the humble values of the pontiff.
The tomb will be simple: a slab with the inscription "Franciscus" and a reproduction of his pectoral cross. It is the same iron cross he chose to keep instead of replacing it with a gold one. As he himself expressed: "without luxuries, ornaments, or precious metals."
A Message of Humility Until the End
Although tradition indicates that popes are usually buried in the Vatican grottos beneath St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis requested not to follow that path. His decision breaks with centuries of custom, but it is completely in line with his lifestyle. He always prioritized closeness to the people over protocol.
Santa Maria Maggiore is the oldest basilica dedicated to the Virgin in Rome and houses the Salus Populi Romani icon, to which Francis had great devotion. For him, that place was a spiritual refuge, and he expressed it on several occasions. In December 2023, he had already stated: "The place is ready, I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore."
The sepulcher will be dimly lit to keep a meditative atmosphere for those who visit. It is expected that his tomb will be a place of pilgrimage, not only because of his figure as Pope but for the message he leaves even after his death. Around him also rest six other pontiffs, which reinforces the historical value of the place.
With the confirmed presence of more than 130 international delegations at his funeral, a massive farewell is expected. Among the attendees, there will be heads of state and members of royal families. Even so, what has impacted the most is the coherence between his life, his legacy, and this final decision that speaks for him once again.
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