Pope Francis’ final testament reveals his humble burial wishes and dedication to peace as the Vatican confirms his death at 88 from a cerebral stroke.
At a Glance
- Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure
- His final will requests a simple underground burial in St. Mary Major Basilica with just “Franciscus” marking his grave
- The Pope dedicated his final suffering “for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples”
- A benefactor arranged by Francis will cover his burial expenses, reflecting his commitment to simplicity
- The first Jesuit pope and first from the Americas led the Catholic Church since 2013
A Simple Farewell for a Revolutionary Pope
The Vatican released Pope Francis’ final will following his death on April 21, 2025, revealing the pontiff’s desire for a modest burial befitting his humble approach to leadership. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the Pope’s passing at 7:35 a.m., stating: “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” The 88-year-old pontiff died from complications including a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure after a history of health challenges.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history as the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope when elected on March 13, 2013. His passing has prompted global mourning among the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics and tributes from international leaders including President Donald Trump, who wrote: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!” His final public appearance was during Easter Sunday celebrations at St. Peter’s Square, shortly before his health deteriorated.
Final Wishes Reflect Lifelong Values
The Pope’s testament, written in June 2022, provides intimate insights into his spiritual priorities and personal humility. Francis specifically requested burial in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), stating his desire for his “final earthly journey” to conclude in this ancient Marian sanctuary. He specified the location between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel and requested that his grave be marked only with the name “Franciscus,” eschewing elaborate monuments.
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the mother of our lord, the blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.” – Pope Francis.
The burial instructions further reveal Francis’ commitment to simplicity, with arrangements for a benefactor to cover all expenses. This approach aligns with his papacy’s emphasis on modesty and rejection of material excess. Throughout his leadership, Francis was known for choosing simpler papal apartments and more modest transportation than his predecessors, consistently emphasizing the Church’s mission to serve the poor and marginalized.
A Legacy of Peace and Reform
Pope Francis’ final testament concludes with a dedication of his suffering for global peace and brotherhood, reflecting the central themes of his papacy. “May the Lord give the well-deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me,” he wrote. “The suffering that was made in the last part of my life I offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.” This focus on peace characterized his approach to international conflicts, including his repeated calls for dialogue in global hotspots.
“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in the Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my Burial.” – Pope Francis.
During his 12-year papacy, Francis was recognized for his modernizing influence and reformist approaches to Church governance and social issues. He confronted corruption within Vatican finances, reformed Church bureaucracy, and addressed contentious topics including climate change, immigration, and economic inequality. His health had declined in recent years, with hospitalizations for respiratory insufficiency, pneumonia, and complications from his type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Attention now turns to the conclave process, where the College of Cardinals will gather to select his successor.
