Inside Pope Francis’ Funeral Rites as the Pontiff Doesn’t Want to Be Buried in the Vatican

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 Breaks Tradition with His Funeral Plans

Pope Francis made it clear that when his time comes, he does not want to be buried in the Vatican like many of his predecessors. Instead, he expressed his wish to be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, a place deeply tied to his personal devotion.

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.

“We simplified them quite a bit,” he said before jokingly adding, “I will premiere the new ritual.” This decision marked a significant departure from tradition.

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.

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 said, explaining that before becoming pope, he would visit the basilica on Sunday mornings whenever he traveled to Rome.

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 special connection to this image, often praying before it after returning from his papal trips. His preference for a final resting place outside the Vatican aligns with his broader emphasis on humility and simplicity.

By November 2024, he had revised the funeral rites that would be used upon his death, streamlining the rituals to highlight his role as a bishop rather than an exalted figure.

The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported that he approved the updated liturgical book on April 29, replacing the previous version last updated in 2000.

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, saying he felt “quite well” at the time.

However, he acknowledged the concerns surrounding his condition responding when asked if people should be concerned about his health, “Yes, a little bit, yes. I need them to pray for my health.”

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.

“I ask the Lord to say enough, at some point, but when he wants me to,” he said. If he ever were to retire, Pope Francis stated that he would not live within the Vatican but would instead reside somewhere in Rome in a home for retired priests.

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 said.

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 confirmed that he had been suffering from bronchitis for several days, leading to difficulties in delivering his public addresses.

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.

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 diagnosed Pope Francis with bilateral pneumonia, adding another layer of concern to his condition.

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 reported that the Pope remained in “good spirits” alternating between rest, prayer, and reading. He also received the Eucharist and extended his gratitude to those who had been praying for his recovery.

However, on February 22, Vatican News shared a concerning update from The Holy See Press Office, revealing that Pope Francis remains in “critical” condition.

An update via Instagram confirmed that the Pope had suffered an asthma-like respiratory crisis earlier that morning, requiring the use of high-flow oxygen.

CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner joined CNN’s Jessica Dean to further break down the latest details on the Pope’s health, sharing, “[…] To me, it sounds like he had some form of difficulty keeping his oxygen levels up or actively breathing.”

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 ninth consecutive night in the hospital. A Vatican statement confirmed that he continued treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

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 remain hospitalized for at least another week. While they reassured the public that he was not in immediate danger of death, they emphasized that he was also “not out of danger.”

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 saying, “Hello, Holy Father,” the Pope reportedly responded with, “Hello, Holy Son.”

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.

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 strictly following medical directives, a significant shift from his usual determination to maintain his routine.

This is not the first time Pope Francis has faced serious health challenges. In March 2023, he was hospitalized for several days due to a respiratory infection.

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.

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 abdominal surgery to address a painful incisional hernia.

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.

The Holy See Press Office has continued to provide periodic updates on his condition, stating on February 24 that he had spent a “restful tenth night” in the hospital. “The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting,” the statement read.

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, stating, “We are continuing our work as usual,” and emphasizing that normal operations had not changed.

Still, according to sources reportedly familiar with the situation, Pope Francis has been enduring severe pain and has privately conveyed doubts about his chances of recovery.

According to reports, as his condition worsened, Pope Francis moved swiftly to finalize key initiatives and make crucial appointments. His papacy had been defined by progressive reforms, often sparking ideological divisions within the Church.

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, saying, “Francis is very serene. His helm is in the hands of the Lord.”

Despite this, the atmosphere in Vatican City reflected growing unease. Faithful followers gathered outside Gemelli Hospital, offering prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery.