Pope Francis readies personal tomb, seeks unconventional burial spot
Pope Francis Has Prepared His Own Tomb, Wants to Break Tradition with Where He’s Buried
In a recent interview, Pope Francis revealed that he has already chosen the place where he will be buried, although he doesn’t anticipate needing it anytime soon. The 87-year-old pope shared this information during an interview with Mexican television, as reported by the Telegraph.
Unlike his predecessors, who were buried within the Vatican, Pope Francis has chosen the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome as his final resting place. This basilica is located just outside Vatican City.
“The place is already prepared,” the pope stated.
Before and after every foreign trip, Pope Francis stops at the basilica to pray in front of a beautiful Byzantine-style painting of Mary holding baby Jesus. He expressed his deep devotion to this practice, saying, “It’s my great devotion.”
In addition to selecting his burial place, Pope Francis also expressed his desire to simplify the papal funeral ceremony. He explained, “When old age arrives and you reach limits, you need to prepare yourself. I will launch a new funeral ritual.”
Despite battling multiple ailments, the pope remains optimistic about his health. According to Reuters, he stated, “I feel good, I feel improved. Sometimes I’m told I’m not prudent because I feel like doing things and moving around. I guess those are good signs, no? I am quite well.”
Over the past year, Pope Francis has become more assertive with conservative critics within the Catholic Church. He acknowledged the need to stand up to them, saying, ”There are some you need to stand up to a bit.”
Although his travel plans have been limited due to his health, Pope Francis intends to visit Belgium next year and is considering trips to Polynesia and his native country, Argentina. He emphasized that all journeys are now carefully reconsidered, taking into account their proximity and feasibility.
Regarding the recent election campaign in Argentina, where he faced criticism from newly elected President Javier Milei, Pope Francis explained, “In an election campaign, things are said ‘in jest’ — they are said seriously, but they are provisional things, things that are used to create a bit of attention, but which later fall away by themselves.”
While Pope Francis currently has no plans to step down, he expressed his willingness to resign if it becomes necessary. He humbly stated, “I ask the Lord to say enough, at some point, but when he wants me to.”
Read More: Pope Francis Has Prepared His Own Tomb, Wants to Break Tradition with Where He’s Buried
Source: The Western Journal
3) How does Pope Francis’s decision to be buried in a place accessible to the public reflect his vision for a more inclusive and connected Church
, Pope Francis also explained that his decision to break with tradition and be buried outside of the Vatican is rooted in his desire to be remembered as a “pilgrim Pope.” He believes that being buried in a place where pilgrims visit, like the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, would allow people to continue to pray for him long after his death.
This decision by Pope Francis is not entirely surprising, as it aligns with his efforts to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people. Throughout his papacy, he has emphasized the importance of simplicity and humility, often opting for more modest accommodations and vehicles. By choosing a burial site that is accessible to the public, he is further demonstrating his desire to be connected to the faithful.
Breaking with tradition, however, is not without its critics. Some argue that by not being buried within the Vatican, Pope Francis is disregarding the weight of history and the significance of the sacred space. Others believe that burying the Pope outside of the Vatican could weaken the authority and symbolism associated with the Papacy.
Regardless of the criticism, Pope Francis remains steadfast in his decision. He firmly believes in the power of prayer and the role of the faithful in continuing the legacy of the Church. By choosing a burial place that allows people to visit and pray for him, he hopes to inspire others to live a life of faith and compassion.
It is worth noting that Pope Francis’s choice of burial site is not unheard of in the history of the Papacy. Pope John Paul II was also buried outside of the Vatican, in the crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. His decision to be buried in a more accessible location was seen as a way to allow more people to pay their respects and seek guidance from his tomb.
In the end, Pope Francis’s decision to prepare his own tomb and break with tradition on where he will be buried is indicative of his vision for a more inclusive and connected Church. By choosing a burial site that is accessible to the public, he is inviting people from all walks of life to be a part of his legacy and continue to pray for him. Whether this decision will have long-lasting significance for the Papacy and the Catholic Church remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly a reflection of Pope Francis’s unique approach to leadership and spirituality.
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