“A Simple Farewell”: Inside Pope Francis’ Final Testament and Funeral Arrangements That Break With Centuries of Vatican Tradition

In a final testament that perfectly reflects the humility and simplicity that defined his papacy, Pope Francis’ detailed burial wishes have been revealed following his death at age 88. The pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday (April 21) from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, left specific instructions that signal a significant departure from centuries of papal tradition. These arrangements offer a profound final statement from a pope who consistently challenged institutional norms in favor of a more humble approach to leadership within the Catholic Church.

Funeral Scheduled for Saturday Amid Global Mourning

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place this Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square. The announcement comes as Catholic faithful around the world begin a period of mourning for the spiritual leader who guided the Church for over a decade. Preparations are already underway in Vatican City as officials expect an unprecedented number of mourners to attend the ceremony, which will be presided over by the Cardinal Dean of the College of Cardinals.

World leaders from across the globe are expected to attend the solemn occasion, with many governments already announcing plans to send high-level delegations. The funeral is anticipated to draw not only Catholic dignitaries but also representatives from other faiths, reflecting Pope Francis’ commitment to interfaith dialogue and his efforts to build bridges between different religious communities throughout his papacy.

The timing of the funeral—just five days after his death—follows Vatican protocol, which typically calls for papal funerals to be held between four and six days after a pontiff’s passing. This brief interval allows time for global dignitaries to arrange travel while maintaining the solemn tradition of prompt burial that has been observed throughout Church history.

A Testament of Humility: Breaking With Tradition

The late Pope’s final testament, signed on June 29, 2022, nearly two years before his death, provides a window into his spiritual priorities and his vision for his final resting place. In a document that begins with a poignant acknowledgment of “the approaching twilight of my earthly life,” Pope Francis outlined specific wishes that stand in stark contrast to the elaborate burial customs of his predecessors.

Perhaps most notably, Pope Francis has requested a significant departure from the traditional three-coffin burial system that has been used for papal interments for centuries. Historically, popes have been laid to rest in a series of nested coffins: an inner cypress coffin symbolizing humanity, a lead coffin in the middle to help preserve the body, and an outer elm or oak coffin representing dignity. This triple-coffin tradition dates back to the early Church and carries deep symbolic significance in papal funeral rites.

Instead, Pope Francis requested a single wooden coffin lined with zinc—a preference that aligns with his lifelong emphasis on simplicity and environmental consciousness. According to coffin manufacturers, zinc linings provide necessary preservation while being more environmentally responsible than a full lead coffin. Experts from Steve Soult Limited, a coffin manufacturing company, explained in a TikTok video that “zinc liners provide an added layer of protection against external factors such as water, insects, and other natural elements” while allowing the body to “deteriorate in a more natural way from the exterior elements of the coffin in the ground.”

This modification represents just one of several ways that Pope Francis’ final wishes reflect the values he championed throughout his papacy—simplicity, humility, and a concern for environmental stewardship that was central to his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’.”

“Franciscus”: A Name That Defined a Papacy

In perhaps the clearest embodiment of his commitment to humility, Pope Francis instructed that his tomb should be “simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.” This Latin form of his papal name serves as a final homage to St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century saint known for rejecting wealth and embracing poverty, whose name Jorge Mario Bergoglio adopted when he ascended to the papacy in 2013.

The simplicity of this single-word marking stands in sharp contrast to the elaborate inscriptions that adorn the tombs of previous pontiffs, which typically include their full papal titles, dates of reign, and accomplishments. By requesting only his papal name, Pope Francis reinforces in death the same message he conveyed throughout his life—that the office should be defined by service rather than grandeur.

Vatican observers note that this choice is particularly symbolic as St. Francis of Assisi was himself known for requesting a simple burial. According to historical accounts, St. Francis asked to be buried in the “Cemetery of Criminals” outside the walls of Assisi as a final act of humility. While Pope Francis will receive a more dignified resting place, his instructions clearly echo the saint’s spirit of humble service that inspired his papacy.

A Marian Devotion: Final Resting Place at St. Mary Major

One of the most surprising elements of Pope Francis’ final testament is his choice of burial location. Breaking with the tradition of popes being buried in the crypts of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis requested that his remains be interred in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major—a church that held special significance throughout his papacy.

“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 Pope wrote in his testament.

This choice reflects Pope Francis’ profound devotion to the Virgin Mary, a spiritual relationship that has been evident throughout his pontificate. Since the beginning of his papacy, he established a practice of visiting the basilica before and after each of his international trips, often bringing flowers to place before the ancient icon of Mary known as “Salus Populi Romani” (Protectress of the Roman People).

St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, contains some of the most significant Marian art and relics in Christianity. Founded in the 5th century, the church houses what tradition holds to be wooden planks from Christ’s manger and has long been associated with papal devotion to Mary. Pope Francis’ choice to be buried there—specifically “in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica”—places him near the Marian icon that was central to his personal devotion.

This decision represents the first time in several centuries that a pope will be buried outside of St. Peter’s Basilica, adding another distinctive element to Pope Francis’ legacy of reform and return to earlier Christian practices.

Funding His Own Burial: A Final Act of Financial Responsibility

In keeping with his emphasis on financial transparency and responsible stewardship of Church resources, Pope Francis made specific arrangements for funding his burial. His testament notes that “the cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”

This provision ensures that his burial will not create an additional financial burden on the Vatican, reflecting the financial responsibility he sought to instill throughout Church institutions during his pontificate. Pope Francis had made financial reform a cornerstone of his leadership, working to address issues of corruption and mismanagement within Vatican finances.

The Pope designated Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica (another name for St. Mary Major), as the person responsible for implementing these burial arrangements. This delegation of authority ensures that his wishes will be carried out precisely as he envisioned.

A Life of Reform Reflected in Death

Throughout his nearly 11-year pontificate, Pope Francis consistently challenged the Church to return to its roots of simplicity and service to the poor. From his decision to live in the modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the ornate Apostolic Palace to his preference for simpler vestments and liturgical elements, Pope Francis sought to model a different kind of papal leadership—one focused less on pomp and more on proximity to the people.

His funeral and burial wishes represent a final chapter in this reformist approach, according to Vatican historian Dr. Massimo Faggioli of Villanova University. “Even in death, Pope Francis is making a statement about his vision for the papacy,” Faggioli noted. “By rejecting the grand traditions of papal burial and requesting something simpler, he’s offering a final lesson about the kind of Church he envisioned—one that is humble, close to the people, and focused on essential spiritual elements rather than external trappings.”

Other Vatican observers have pointed out that Pope Francis appears to be drawing inspiration from earlier papal practices, before the elaborate funeral traditions that developed during the Renaissance period. In the early Church, popes were often buried simply, sometimes in existing Roman catacombs or humble graves, reflecting the persecuted status of early Christians.

Final Reflections: A Pope’s Last Message

The concluding words of Pope Francis’ testament offer a glimpse into his spiritual state during his final years and serve as a poignant farewell to the faithful. “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,” he wrote, connecting his personal suffering to his lifelong advocacy for peace and human brotherhood.

This reference to offering his suffering for peace reflects themes that were central to his papacy—his frequent calls for an end to what he termed a “piecemeal World War III” occurring through regional conflicts, his advocacy for migrants and refugees, and his efforts to promote dialogue between nations and religions.

The testament’s closing message of offering suffering for “fraternity among peoples” recalls one of the defining documents of his papacy, the 2019 “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” which he signed with Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb in Abu Dhabi. This interfaith declaration emphasized the importance of human brotherhood across religious and cultural divides—a theme Pope Francis returned to frequently throughout his papal ministry.

Global Reactions: A World Mourns

News of Pope Francis’ death and the details of his final wishes have prompted an outpouring of tributes from religious and secular leaders worldwide. The simplicity of his funeral requests has particularly resonated with many, including those outside the Catholic faith, who see in these arrangements a final testament to his authentic character.

“Pope Francis lived as he taught, and now we see he wished to die as he lived—with humility and simplicity,” remarked UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “His final testament reflects the values he championed throughout his leadership—concern for the poor, environmental stewardship, and human brotherhood across divides.”

Religious leaders from various faiths have also commented on the Pope’s final wishes. Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, with whom Pope Francis signed the Document on Human Fraternity, stated, “Even in his final arrangements, my brother Francis demonstrated the simplicity and humility that made him a bridge-builder between faiths. His legacy of dialogue and mutual respect will continue to inspire peace efforts worldwide.”

Within Catholic circles, reactions have been mixed but largely positive. Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark described the Pope’s burial wishes as “perfectly in keeping with his vision of the Church” and “a final lesson in servant leadership.” Some traditionalist Catholics, however, have expressed concern about the departure from established papal traditions, seeing the break with custom as potentially diminishing the dignity of the papal office.

Looking Ahead: The Conclave and Francis’ Legacy

As the Church prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, attention has already begun to turn to the conclave that will elect his successor. Cardinals from around the world are beginning to arrive in Rome, not only for the funeral but also for the subsequent conclave that will begin between 15 and 20 days after the Pope’s death, per Vatican law.

The simplicity of Pope Francis’ funeral wishes may influence the conclave discussions, as cardinals debate the future direction of the Church. Some observers suggest that the late Pope’s final testament could be viewed as an implicit message to the College of Cardinals about the qualities to seek in the next pontiff.

“By emphasizing simplicity, Marian devotion, and concern for peace in his final testament, Pope Francis is in some ways outlining the spiritual priorities he hopes will continue in the Church,” noted Vatican journalist Gerard O’Connell. “While he would never presume to influence the conclave directly, these final wishes do project a vision of Church leadership that may resonate with many of the cardinals he appointed during his papacy.”

Regardless of who succeeds him, Pope Francis’ decision to be buried in a simple tomb bearing only his name, in a location tied to his personal devotion rather than papal tradition, ensures that his reformist approach will be remembered long after his death. His final testament, like his papacy, represents both a return to earlier Christian simplicity and a forward-looking vision for a Church more focused on essential spiritual values than institutional grandeur.

The Funeral Liturgy: What to Expect

The Vatican has announced that while Pope Francis requested simplicity for his burial, the funeral Mass itself will follow the established ritual for papal funerals, with some modifications reflecting his personal preferences. The liturgy will be based on the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis” (Order of the Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff), the official ceremonial guide for papal funerals, but will incorporate elements that reflect Pope Francis’ liturgical style.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass, as is customary when a pontiff dies. The liturgy will be held in St. Peter’s Square rather than inside the basilica, allowing for maximum participation from the faithful who are expected to gather in large numbers.

Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ body will be transferred to St. Mary Major Basilica for burial, rather than being interred in the Vatican grottoes beneath St. Peter’s as has been customary for most popes in recent centuries. This procession through the streets of Rome from Vatican City to the Esquiline Hill where St. Mary Major stands will provide Romans and pilgrims an opportunity to pay their final respects along the route.

The burial itself will be a private ceremony attended only by close papal associates, Vatican officials, and representatives from the Argentine Church, honoring Pope Francis’ heritage as the first Latin American pontiff.

A Pope Who Changed the Face of the Papacy

As the Catholic Church and the world prepare to bid farewell to Pope Francis, his final testament stands as a fitting epilogue to a papacy that consistently emphasized humility, simplicity, and returning to the essential spiritual mission of the Church. From his first moments as pope—when he asked the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for him before he blessed them, reversing the traditional order—to his final wishes for a simple burial, Pope Francis sought to reshape perceptions of papal authority.

His choice of a wooden coffin lined with zinc rather than the traditional triple coffin, his request for a simple marker bearing only his name, and his decision to be buried at St. Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s all reflect a consistent vision that prioritized spiritual substance over institutional symbolism.

As Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines noted, “Pope Francis taught us throughout his life that true authority in the Church comes through service and simplicity. His final testament is not just about burial arrangements—it’s his last homily, preached not with words but with the eloquence of humble choices that speak to the essence of Christian leadership.”

The funeral on Saturday will mark the end of a significant chapter in Catholic history, but the legacy of Pope Francis—including his final message of simplicity and service—will continue to influence the Church for generations to come. As millions around the world prepare to watch the funeral ceremonies and mourn his passing, the late pontiff’s own words from his testament offer perhaps the most fitting epitaph: a man who offered his suffering “for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”

A Timeline of Events Leading to Saturday’s Funeral

Following Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, the Vatican has implemented the carefully prescribed protocols that govern the period between a pope’s death and funeral, known as the “novemdiales” or nine days of mourning.

Monday, April 21: Pope Francis passed away in the evening after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell officially confirmed the death and symbolically called the late pontiff’s baptismal name three times, receiving no response, in accordance with traditional protocol. The Pope’s fisherman’s ring and papal seal were then ritually destroyed to mark the end of his authority.

Tuesday, April 22: The Vatican announced that the funeral would take place on Saturday, April 26. Pope Francis’ body was prepared for public viewing according to his wishes for simplicity, dressed in the simple red papal vestments he preferred in life rather than the more elaborate garments used by his predecessors.

Wednesday, April 23 – Friday, April 25: The Pope’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. Vatican security officials have prepared for hundreds of thousands of mourners to pass through the basilica during this period.

Saturday, April 26: The funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, followed by the procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial according to the Pope’s wishes.

Following the funeral: Cardinals from around the world will remain in Rome or begin arriving for pre-conclave meetings known as “general congregations,” where they will discuss the state of the Church before entering the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to elect the next pope.

As the Catholic Church moves through these solemn days of transition, Pope Francis’ final testament ensures that his message of humility and simplicity will resonate even as the institution begins the process of choosing his successor. His simple burial wishes stand as his final lesson to the Church he led—that true Christian leadership is measured not by external trappings but by authentic service and spiritual depth.