Pope Francis’ chosen burial location is the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
This historic church is one of four major basilicas in Rome and dates back more than 1,000 years. Pope Francis prayed at St. Mary Major the day after his election in 2013 and visited often during his time as Pope.
The basilica is the final resting place for Saints Matthew and Jerome and seven other popes. It is the home of a Marian icon reportedly created by St. Luke the Evangelist and it is the home of a relic of the Holy Crib in which the infant Jesus once slept in.
From the basilica’s website: “The many treasures housed in the Basilica make Saint Mary Major a place where art and spirituality blend in a perfect pairing, giving visitors the unique emotions that transpire from man’s great works of art, inspired by God.”
For more information visit: https://www.basilicasantamariamaggiore.va/en.html
