Inside Pope Francis’ Funeral Rites as the Pontiff Doesn’t Want to Be Buried in the Vatican
As his health deteriorates, concerns grow over the Pope’s ability to continue leading the Church. However, instead of resting alongside his predecessors in the Vatican, the Pope has chosen a final resting place that reflects his lifelong devotion and humility.
Pope Francis has spent his papacy redefining what it means to be the leader of the Catholic Church, embracing humility and prioritizing the needs of the people. Now, he is making history once again with his decision to forgo burial in the Vatican.
At the same time, the Pope’s declining health has raised serious concerns, and, according to reports, as the Vatican navigates this uncertain period, preparations for his eventual passing are quietly taking shape.
Pope Francis during a celebration of Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica on December 12, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis Breaks Tradition with His Funeral Plans
Pope Francis made it clear that when his time comes, he
Statues outside The Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
In a December 12, 2023, interview with Mexican news outlet N+, the Pope, in good spirits, openly discussed his funeral plans. He revealed that he had already spoken with Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, his master of liturgical ceremonies, about the arrangements.
Pope Francis photographed with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at Laeken Castle on September 27, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
“We simplified them quite a bit,” he
Historically, popes have been buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The last pontiff to break this custom was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and was interred at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
Inside The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
As for St. Mary Major, six popes have been buried there, but the most recent was Pope Clement IX in 1669. Pope Francis’ reasoning for his choice was deeply personal.
“It’s my great devotion,” he
Pope Francis meets in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 18, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
The site houses the revered Byzantine-style icon known as Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the People of Rome), which depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus.
The Pope has long expressed a
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium welcoming Pope Francis at Laeken Castle on September 27, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
By November 2024, he had
The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano
Pope Francis arriving for his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on May 10, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
The decision to revise these rites came in the wake of Pope Benedict XVI’s death on December 31, 2022. As the first retired pope in 600 years, Benedict’s funeral posed unique challenges for the Vatican, prompting Pope Francis to work with Monsignor Ravelli to simplify the traditional ceremonies.
Although Pope Francis had faced several health setbacks, he remained hopeful about his future,
However, he acknowledged the concerns surrounding his condition
Pope Francis greeting soccer player Dani Alves during the launch of the Scholas Occurrentes International Movement at the Pontifical Urban University on May 19, 2022, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite experiencing various health scares, the Pope confirmed that he had never seriously considered resignation in 2023. However, he did not dismiss the possibility in the future, reaffirming his stance that a pope could step down if necessary.
Pope Francis meeting Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni at Paul VI Hall on December 7, 2022, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
“I ask the Lord to say enough, at some point, but when he wants me to,” he
His choice of burial at St. Mary Major further reinforces his commitment to remaining close to the people and the traditions of the city he has long served. “The place is already prepared,” he
Pope Francis leaving the Gemelli Hospital after being discharged following surgery on June 16, 2023, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis’ Health Struggles and Growing Concerns
On February 14, Vatican News reported that Pope Francis would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital after his morning audiences.
The Holy See Press Office later
The Pope had already delegated his prepared remarks to be read by others during multiple events, including his Wednesday General Audiences.
Earlier, on February 6, Vatican News had stated that he would hold his audiences from his residence at Casa Santa Marta due to his ongoing illness.
Pope Francis delivering his Angelus blessing from the window of his private studio to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on December 13, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Upon his admission, doctors conducted a series of diagnostic tests, with treatment focused on managing his bronchitis and preventing further complications. By February 18, doctors
Pope Francis at Laeken Castle in Brussels, Belgium, on September 27, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The Holy See Press Office stated that he was undergoing complex treatment, including corticosteroids and antibiotics, due to a polymicrobial infection.
Despite his worsening symptoms, it was
Pope Francis blessing a baby during his weekly audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 12, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
However, on February 22, Vatican News shared a
An
CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner joined CNN’s Jessica Dean to further break down the latest details on the Pope’s health,
Pope Francis during a weekly general audience on February 28, 2024, at Paul-VI hall in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Blood tests further revealed thrombocytopenia and anemia, necessitating transfusions. The statement reiterated that while the Pope was alert and sitting in an armchair, he was more fatigued than the previous day.
By February 23, Pope Francis had spent his
Pope Francis photographed being helped into a popemobile car on March 29, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
During a press conference, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice-Director of Vatican healthcare services, addressed journalists for approximately forty minutes.
They noted that the Pope was expected to
Pope Francis at a mass for the feast of the Epiphany at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2023 in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Dr. Alfieri clarified that Pope Francis was not on a ventilator but continued to struggle with breathing, requiring him to limit physical movement.
Despite this, he remained engaged and continued his work. In a lighthearted exchange, when a doctor greeted him by
Pope Francis celebrating New Year’s Day during a mass on World Day of Peace in St. Peter’s Basilica on January 1, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Medical experts expressed their primary concern regarding the risk of a bacterial infection entering his bloodstream, which could lead to sepsis.
However, Dr. Alfieri remained optimistic that Pope Francis would eventually be discharged and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. He cautioned, however, that the Pope’s chronic respiratory issues would persist even after his hospital stay.
Pope Francis presiding over the Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square, on April 9, 2023, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Doctors at Gemelli Hospital made the difficult decision to prevent him from delivering his usual morning Angelus sermon — a rare occurrence, even during previous hospital stays.
Insiders say the Pope is now
Pope Francis celebrating the mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter’s square in Vatican City on February 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
This is not the first time Pope Francis has faced serious health challenges. In March 2023, he was
The Vatican revealed that he had been experiencing breathing difficulties and was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for medical tests. Doctors ruled out COVID-19 but determined that he required an extended hospital stay for specialized treatment.
Pope Francis arriving to celebrate the mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter’s square in Vatican City on February 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
During his recovery, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the support and prayers he received from around the world. A few months later, in June 2023, he was again hospitalized, this time for
Pope Francis presiding over a mass for the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
The condition, a result of previous operations, had been causing intestinal blockages. He remained in the hospital for nine days before returning to the Vatican, choosing to enter discreetly through a side gate without stopping for the reporters gathered outside.
Pope Francis during the Easter Mass at the St. Peter’s Basilica on April 12, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
The Holy See Press Office has continued to provide periodic updates on his condition,
However, as Pope Francis’ health declined, concerns mounted over the well-being of the 88-year-old pontiff. Rumors quickly spread that the Swiss Guard — the elite force responsible for the Pope’s security — had begun preparing for his possible passing.
Reports suggested that the guards had been placed under a curfew, signaling heightened internal preparations. However, a spokesperson for the Swiss Guard dismissed these claims,
Still, according to
According to
Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience at the Paul VI Hall on August 9, 2023, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
In what appeared to be a final effort to cement his vision, he prioritized decisions that could shape the Catholic Church long after his tenure.
Cardinal Angelo Comastri, in an interview with Italian media, offered a reflection on the Pope’s mindset,
A woman placing a candle in front of an image of Pope Francis outside the Basilica de Guadalupe, in Mexico City, Mexico, on February 23, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Despite this, the atmosphere in Vatican City reflected growing unease. Faithful followers gathered outside Gemelli Hospital, offering prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery.
