In a historic and deeply symbolic decision, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on April 26, following his funeral rites at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The announcement was made by the Office of the Holy See, citing the pope’s lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his missionary spirituality, and his desire to rest near the icon of Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman People).
This marks a departure from the traditional burial of popes in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The decision to be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore underscores Pope Francis' pastoral approach and his enduring image as a pilgrim pope, a servant of the poor and marginalized, and a bridge-builder for peace.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis visited the basilica over 100 times, often before and after apostolic journeys, to entrust his missions to Mary’s protection.
His silent moments of prayer before the sacred icon, especially during moments of crisis such as the pandemic, natural disasters, or global conflicts, have moved countless faithful around the world.
The basilica, one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, holds a revered place in Church history and Pope Francis’ heart. It is home to the fifth-century Marian icon, which Pope Francis has referred to as “a mother’s gaze that accompanies the Church.”
According to Vatican officials, the decision also aligns with his vision of a Church that is Marian in spirit—humble, listening, and close to the people. Santa Maria Maggiore, known for its welcoming atmosphere and connection to early Christianity, reflects Francis’ emphasis on pastoral proximity over institutional formality.
His burial will take place following the Rite of Committal, after the celebration of his funeral Mass on Saturday, April 26, which will mark the beginning of the Novemdiales, a traditional nine-day period of mourning and prayer for a deceased pope.
We invite believers worldwide to unite in prayerful solidarity during these days of mourning.
Radio Veritas Asia will continue to provide coverage and reflections, honoring the legacy of a pope who communicated with mercy, lived the Gospel with joy, and walked with the poor.
“Under the mantle of Mary, I wish to rest—she who always brought me closer to Jesus.” – Pope Francis.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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