U-turn with Pope Francis's Burial: He Made a Decision No One Expected

The Vatican has entered days of mourning. The news of Pope Francis's death has shaken the entire world. At 88 years old and after weeks battling bilateral pneumonia, the Pontiff has left a final powerful message.

It wasn't with words, but with actions. Pope Francis wanted to break with tradition even after his death. He did so with a historic decision about his own burial.

This is the Decision Pope Francis Made Regarding His Burial

Pope Francis will not be buried in the traditional Vatican grottos. Instead, his body will rest in the Roman Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a Marian site for which he felt special devotion. It is an unprecedented gesture that hasn't occurred in over a century.

With this choice, he breaks a deeply rooted custom within the Church. Since Pope Leo XIII, no pontiff had opted for a place other than the Vatican for their burial. Consistent with his approachable and reformist style, Francis has decided to make a difference once again.

Pope Francis's choice is not random. As he explained in life, he promised the Virgin Mary to rest there. His devotion to the Salus Populi Romani icon, kept in the basilica, has guided his will.

It is not merely a symbolic gesture. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore hasn't hosted the remains of a Pope since 1669, when Clement IX was buried there. More than three centuries have passed since then, making this decision a historic event.

This final choice perfectly reflects the character of his pontificate. Francis has distinguished himself as a humble spiritual leader, close to the people and determined to reform many traditions. His farewell, as expected, could not stray from that line.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli confirmed that the funeral will also have a different character than usual. The traditional title of Romanus Pontifex will not be used during the celebrations. Additionally, solemn elements like the triple coffin or the classic catafalque will be omitted.

Instead, a simple wooden coffin without excessive ornaments has been chosen. The body will be dressed in the usual liturgical vestments, but the entire rite will avoid any display of ostentation. As Ravelli explained, it will be the burial of a shepherd and disciple of Christ, not that of an earthly ruler.

Nine Days of Mourning Have Been Declared for Pope Francis's Death

During the nine days of mourning, daily masses will be held. The body will be moved to the Chapel of Saint Martha for the faithful to pay their respects. Access will be open to all.

The funeral, although more austere, will be of great magnitude. The presence of religious leaders, heads of state, and thousands of people is expected. It will be a massive farewell, but intimate in essence.

Pope Francis left all his instructions detailed in writing. His desire was to have a different ceremony, simpler and deeply human. He wanted to avoid the solemn protocols that, in his opinion, could create distance from the people.

The cycle of his pontificate will close with three phases. The first will be in his residence, with the body placed in the coffin; the second, with the farewell of the faithful in the basilica. The third phase will culminate with the burial. However, this time it will not be in the Vatican but in a chapel dedicated to the Virgin, whom he so revered.

There is no doubt that Pope Francis's figure leaves an indelible mark, not only for what he did in life, but also for how he wanted to be remembered.