Pope Francis Shocks the World: Here’s Why He Refused a Vatican Burial After His Death at 88
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday morning, April 21. He passed away at 7:35 a.m. after struggling with several health problems in recent months.
His real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and he had been dealing with ongoing health issues, including a serious lung infection, bronchitis that turned into pneumonia, and mild kidney failure. Earlier this month, he suffered a breathing problem that caused vomiting and made his condition worse.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the sad news with the public, saying Pope Francis spent his life serving God and the Church. He praised him for being a faithful and courageous leader who always cared deeply for the poor and those who were overlooked in society. The Church is now praying for his soul, trusting in God’s mercy.
Pope Francis will not be buried in the traditional spot beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where most Popes are laid to rest. Instead, he had already made plans to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. He chose that place because it held personal meaning for him—it’s where he would go to pray before and after traveling abroad. He also had a deep connection to an icon of the Virgin Mary in that basilica.
In 2023, he explained this choice in an interview, saying, “The place is already prepared. I wish to be buried in St. Mary Major.”
Francis made history by being the first Pope in over 1,200 years to come from outside Europe. He was born in Argentina and was known for his modern and humble approach to leading the Church. Throughout his time as Pope, he often spoke about world issues like the war in Ukraine, climate change, global inequality, the refugee crisis, and even LGBTQ+ rights, showing compassion and care for all people.
