Pope Francis’ death: Where will he be buried?

Just a few days after assuming the role of pope, Pope Francis shared his wishes regarding his burial arrangements upon his passing. This revelation came in March 2013, following his election by the Cardinals of the Catholic Church in a conclave, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI who had stepped down due to health concerns.

According to Neomi DeAnda, a trained constructive theologian, Pope Francis had a sense of his mortality when he was elected pope at an older age. Being in his 70s at the time, he wanted to be prepared for when his time came to depart from this world. DeAnda, who holds a Ph.D. in theology, highlighted that the pope’s choice of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place held significance as it was a place that his grandparents, who immigrated to Argentina, were connected to.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first pope from the American continents. His family history was marked by a journey escaping fascism in Italy and settling in Argentina. DeAnda shared an interesting anecdote about how Pope Francis’ family almost boarded a ship called the SS Principessa Mafalda for their immigrant travels but missed it due to their inability to sell all their goods. This ship later tragically capsized, underlining the twist of fate that led to the survival of Pope Francis’ grandparents and ultimately the birth of the pontiff.

The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’ passing on April 21, 2025, a day after Easter Sunday. The pope’s frequent visits to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore reflected his deep connection to his family history and roots. His choice of this location for his final resting place was a poignant reminder of his heritage and the journey that shaped his life.

Gabriele Regalbuto, a Senior Editor of SEO at Fox News Digital, provided insights into the life and work of Pope Francis. With a Journalism and Communications degree from West Virginia University, Gabriele has been instrumental in covering various significant events, including the 2024 presidential cycle, the 2022 midterm elections, Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In conclusion, Pope Francis’ burial wishes and the choice of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place offer a glimpse into his personal history and the profound impact of his family’s journey on his life and papacy.