The Tomb of Pope Francis

The Tomb of Pope Francis

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On April 26th 2025, Pope Francis became the eighth pontiff to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Unlike his predecessors, the tomb of Pope Francis is a very simple affair, comprising nothing more than a marble slab inscribed with the word Franciscus.   

For the first time in more than a hundred and twenty years, Pope Francis broke with tradition by electing not to be interred in St Peter's Basilica. He chose to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, on account of his particular devotion to the Salus Populi Romani, an ancient icon, before which he prayed prior to on his return from official visits abroad.   

The icon is to be found in the Cappella Paolina, just a few metres from where Pope Francis lies.

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