The Spiritual Testament of Pope Francis, dated 29 June 2022, has been published, in which he gives instructions for his burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Miserando atque Eligendo
In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
Feeling the twilight of my earthly life approaching and with firm hope for eternal life, I wish to express my last wishes exclusively regarding the place of my burial.
Throughout my life and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
I wish that my last earthly journey should end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I have always stopped for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey, entrusting my intentions with trust to the Immaculate Mother and thanking her for her tender maternal care.
I ask that a tomb be prepared for me in a niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Salus Populi Romani Chapel) and the Sforza Chapel, as shown on the attached plan.
The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without special ornamentation, with only one inscription: Franciscus.
The expenses of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum given by a benefactor, which I have agreed to transfer to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I have given all the necessary instructions in this regard to Cardinal Rolandos Makrikas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Basilica.
May the Lord grant a worthy reward to all who loved me and continue to pray for me. The sufferings that marked the last part of my life, I offer to the Lord for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.
Casa Santa Marta,
June 29, 2022
FRANCIS.
“CREDO”
