Inside Pope Francis’ Funeral Rites as the Pontiff Doesn’t Want to Be Buried in the Vatican
Pope Francis has never been one to follow tradition blindly. From the moment he assumed the papacy in 2013, he made it clear that humility, simplicity, and service would define his leadership. Now, as reports circulate that the 87-year-old pontiff does not wish to be buried in the Vatican—a departure from centuries of papal custom—the world is left to wonder what his final farewell will look like.
A Simpler Funeral for a Humble Pope
Historically, popes are laid to rest in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, near the tomb of St. Peter himself. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI were both buried there, their resting places marked with honor and reverence. However, Pope Francis, known for rejecting opulence, has reportedly expressed his desire for a simpler farewell.
Instead of an elaborate burial in St. Peter’s, sources suggest he may wish to be laid to rest in his native Argentina, where his journey as a Jesuit priest began. If true, this would be unprecedented in modern history, making Francis the first pope in centuries to be buried outside the Vatican.
The Rites of a Pope’s Passing
When a pope dies, the Church follows a strict protocol known as Novemdiales, a nine-day period of mourning. His body is traditionally placed in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, where thousands of faithful come to pay their final respects. The funeral Mass is then held in St. Peter’s Square, led by the College of Cardinals, with world leaders and religious figures in attendance.
However, Pope Francis has already hinted at a desire for a more modest departure. He has declined many of the traditional trappings of the papacy, from luxurious clothing to the grand Apostolic Palace, choosing instead to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse. His funeral, should his wishes be honored, may reflect that same simplicity—perhaps forgoing excessive pageantry in favor of a quiet, prayerful ceremony.
Where Will He Be Buried?
While Argentina seems a likely choice, Francis has not publicly confirmed his final resting place. Some speculate he may choose to be buried in Buenos Aires’ Metropolitan Cathedral, where he once served as archbishop. Others suggest he could rest at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, Argentina’s most revered Marian shrine.
If he is laid to rest outside the Vatican, it would mark a significant departure from tradition but would align perfectly with the values he has championed—humility, accessibility, and a focus on the people rather than power.
A Pope Who Redefines Legacy
Pope Francis’ decision, if it comes to pass, will not just be a personal preference but a statement—one that challenges the Church’s long-standing traditions and emphasizes his message of simplicity. Whether in Rome or Argentina, his legacy will endure, not through monuments or grand tombs, but in the countless lives he has touched through his service to the world.
