Bury Me In Rome, Not Vatican - Pope Francis

In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis has disclosed his intention to be buried not in the customary resting place of St Peter's Basilica alongside his predecessors, but in the lesser-known Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. The pontiff, who celebrates his 87th birthday this weekend, revealed this decision in an interview broadcast on Wednesday via Mexican broadcaster Televisa's N+ streaming service.

"The place is already prepared. I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore," Pope Francis stated, breaking from the longstanding tradition of popes being interred in St Peter's Basilica within the Vatican.

This decision makes Pope Francis the first pontiff in over a century to choose a burial site outside the Vatican, adding a distinctive element to his legacy. The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore, an iconic basilica, marks a personal and unconventional preference for the pontiff.

In the same interview, Pope Francis disclosed plans for a visit to Belgium in 2024 and expressed his desire to visit both his native Argentina and Polynesia, underscoring his commitment to engaging with diverse communities around the world.

The revelation about his chosen burial site introduces a notable departure from the norms observed by his predecessors, as Pope Francis continues to shape his papacy in ways that reflect his distinctive approach to leadership and symbolism within the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis Chooses Unconventional Burial Site, Opts for Basilica in Rome

Pope Francis Chooses Unconventional Burial Site, Opts for Basilica in Rome

Pope Francis Chooses Unconventional Burial Site, Opts for Basilica in Rome