VATICAN- Pope Francis’ final resting place in the Basilica of St. Mary Major features materials from Liguria, Italy—a deliberate tribute to his family roots.
Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Coadjutor Archpriest of the Basilica, confirmed that the late pontiff had specifically requested a tomb constructed from “stone of Liguria, the land of his grandparents.”
According to Vatican officials, the tomb bears only a simple inscription—”Franciscus”—and includes a reproduction of Pope Francis’ pectoral cross.
His burial site lies near the Altar of St. Francis in the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (also known as the Salus Populi Romani Chapel) and the Sforza Chapel.
Reflecting his lifelong commitment to humility, Pope Francis also requested burial in a simple wooden casket rather than the traditional elaborate bier. The casket features a zinc lining instead of the customary cypress, lead, and oak layers—another testament to his preference for simplicity, even in death.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be celebrated tomorrow, Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square. This service marks the beginning of the Novemdiales—an ancient Vatican tradition consisting of nine days of mourning and Masses for the departed Pope’s soul.
These Novemdiales Masses will be held daily at 5:00 PM (GMT+2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, with one exception: the Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 27) will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope’s body has been lying in state since Tuesday. Tonight, April 25, at 8:00 PM, his coffin will be sealed during a special liturgical rite in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, serving as Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over this Rite of Sealing ceremony, which will be attended by numerous Cardinals and Holy See officials.
