What Does Pope Francis’s Will Say?

The world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiac arrest. As tributes pour in from across the globe, the Vatican confirmed the details surrounding his final moments and preparations for his burial.

Cause of Death: A Sudden Cerebral Stroke

According to Vatican officials, Pope Francis suffered a cerebral stroke which left him in a coma. Despite medical efforts, the condition led to irreversible cardiac arrest. He passed away at the age of 88 at Domus Santa Marta, his residence in Vatican City.

Now Pope Francis put out a will written on his place of burial. But what does the will say?

What’s in Pope Francis’s Will?

Pope Francis has made it clear in his will that he wishes to be laid to rest in a modest grave beneath the Basilica of St Mary Major.

The document outlines that he desires to be buried “in the ground, without particular decoration” and that the only marking on his resting place should be his papal title in Latin: Franciscus.

Instead of the traditional burial site at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, which has been the final resting place for many popes before him, Francis indicated his preference to remain in Rome.

In addition to revealing the content of the will, the Vatican disclosed that the pope had passed away due to a cerebral stroke, which resulted in a coma and ultimately led to irreversible cardiac arrest.

They also noted that a donor, whose identity remains confidential, had been designated by the pope to finance the burial arrangements.

The full version of his testament was shared publicly on the official website of the Holy See. It reads:

“In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial.
“I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major.
“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.
“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel, Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.
“The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.
“The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Rolandas Makrickas (a Catholic cardinal) Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.
“May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”

Plans are already underway to transport the late pope’s body from the Domus Santa Marta chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the public will be invited to pay their last respects.