Following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has released his spiritual testament, dated 29 June 2022, giving indications for his burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major moving away from the tradition where popes are buried in St. Peter’s Basilica.
In his testament Pope Francis said, “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 the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
The Pontiff further added that, “I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
“The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.” Francis also known as the, ‘the people’s pope’ wrote. According to the tradition inscriptions about the date of birth, death and what the pope stood for during his papacy are inscribed on the grave.
The Pope hinted on the cost of preparing his burial having been met by a benefactor. He however did not disclose who this benefactor is. He further added that the sum has been arranged transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Francis said, “I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.”
In his concluding remarks, the Pope aske the Lord to grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved and who continue to pray for him. He further added, “the suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”
During this period of vacancy, the church is under the temporary control of the Vatican Chief Administrator who is also known as the camerlengo. The current camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrel and he is assisted by three other cardinals. Cardinal Farrel with his three assistants will decide when Pope Francis’ body will be taken to St. Peter’s basilica for public viewing.
The period of mourning will last 15 days from the day the pope was announced dead and thereafter all cardinals under 80years of age will gather in the sistine chapel in what is called the conclave to elect a new pope from among themselves. They will vote twice daily until they will get one who will garner a two thirds plus one majority vote.