Pope Francis’ Final Wishes: A Funeral Unlike Any Other
Inside Pope Francis’ Funeral Rites as the Pontiff Doesn’t Want to Be Buried in the Vatican
Concerns about the Pope’s capacity to lead the Church continue to increase as his health worsens. But rather than laying in the Vatican with his predecessors, the Pope has selected a last resting place that honors his humility and lifelong dedication.
Pope Francis has embraced humility and put the needs of the people first during his pontificate, redefining what it means to be the head of the Catholic Church. Now, by choosing not to be buried in the Vatican, he is once again making history.
Simultaneously, the Pope’s deteriorating health has sparked grave worries, and rumors have it that as the Vatican works through this unsettling time, plans for his eventual demise are subtly coming together.
Pope Francis’s funeral arrangements defy convention.
Pope Francis has stated unequivocally that, unlike many of his predecessors, he does not wish to be buried in the Vatican when the time comes. Rather, he stated that he would want to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, which holds a special place in his heart.
The Pope, in a good mood, talked candidly about his funeral arrangements in an interview with the Mexican news organization N+ on December 12, 2023. He disclosed that he had already discussed the plans with his liturgical ceremonies master, Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli.
After saying, “We simplified them quite a bit,” he joked, “I will premiere the new ritual.” This choice was a dramatic break from custom.
Popes have traditionally been laid to rest at the Vatican Grottoes, which are located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo XIII, who passed away in 1903 and was buried in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, was the last pope to deviate from this tradition.
The most recent pope to be buried in St. Mary Major was Pope Clement IX in 1669, but there have been six others. Pope Francis gave a very personal explanation for his decision.
He declared, “It’s my great devotion,” adding that he used to go to the basilica on Sunday mornings whenever he was in Rome before to being elected pope.
Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the People of Rome), a revered Byzantine-style icon that shows the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus, is located at the location.
After returning from his papal travels, the Pope frequently prays in front of this portrait, demonstrating his long-standing unique affinity to it. His desire for a last resting place outside of the Vatican is consistent with his larger focus on simplicity and humility.
In November 2024, he made changes to the burial ceremonies that would be performed after his passing, simplifying them to emphasize his position as a bishop rather than a revered leader.
He authorized the modified liturgy book on April 29, replacing the one that was last updated in 2000, according to the Vatican publication L’Osservatore Romano.
Following the passing of Pope Benedict XVI on December 31, 2022, the decision was made to update these ceremonies. Benedict’s funeral presented special difficulties for the Vatican because he was the first retiring pontiff in 600 years. pontiff Francis collaborated with Monsignor Ravelli to streamline the customary rituals.
Despite a number of health setbacks, Pope Francis expressed optimism about his future by stating that he was “quite well” at the moment.
But when asked if people should be worried about his health, he recognized the worries about his condition. “Yes, rather, indeed. They must offer up prayers for my well-being.
In 2023, despite a slew of health scares, the Pope said that he had never given resignation any real thought. He reiterated his position that a pope may resign if needed, but he did not rule out the possibility in the future.
“I ask the Lord to say enough, at some point, but when he wants me to,” he stated. Pope Francis said that if he ever retired, he would live someplace in Rome in a residence for elderly priests rather than in the Vatican.
His decision to be buried in St. Mary Major further demonstrates his dedication to being with the residents and customs of the city he has long served. His words, “The place is already prepared,”
Pope Francis’ Health Issues and Increasing Fears
Vatican News announced on February 14 that following his morning audiences, Pope Francis would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital.
He then admitted to having bronchitis for a few days, which made it difficult for him to give public speeches, according to the Holy See Press Office.
During his Wednesday General Audiences and other events, the Pope had already assigned people to read his written remarks.
Due of his continued sickness, Vatican News had earlier on February 6 announced that he would be holding his audiences from his home at Casa Santa Marta.
Doctors performed a number of diagnostic tests on him upon admission, and his treatment was aimed at controlling his bronchitis and averting other complications. Pope Francis’ situation became much more concerning when medical professionals determined that he had bilateral pneumonia on February 18.
According to the Holy See Press Office, he was receiving complicated treatment for a polymicrobial illness that included corticosteroids and antibiotics.
The Pope was said to be in “good spirits” despite his deteriorating health, rotating between reading, prayer, and repose. In addition, he was given the Eucharist and thanked everyone who had been praying for him to get better.
Pope Francis is still in “critical” condition, according to a worrying report from The Holy See Press Office that Vatican News provided on February 22.
The Pope experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis earlier that morning, necessitating the use of high-flow oxygen, according to an Instagram update.
In an interview with CNN’s Jessica Dean, CNN medical commentator Dr. Jonathan Reiner provided additional insight into the Pope’s health, saying, “[…] To me, it sounds like he had some form of difficulty keeping his oxygen levels up or actively breathing.”
Transfusions were required after additional blood testing showed anemia and thrombocytopenia. The statement restated that although the Pope was seated in an armchair and awake, he was more exhausted than he had been the day before.
Pope Francis had been in the hospital for nine nights in a row by February 23. He was still receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for double pneumonia, according to a Vatican statement.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, the vice-director of Vatican healthcare services, and Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, spoke to reporters for around forty minutes at a press conference.
The Pope was likely to stay in the hospital for at least another week, they said. The public was told that he was not in imminent danger of dying, but they also made it clear that he was “not out of danger.”
Pope Francis was not on a ventilator, according to Dr. Alfieri, but his breathing difficulties still required him to restrict his physical activity.
He stayed involved and carried on with his work in spite of this. “Hello, Holy Father,” a doctor said to the Pope in a friendly conversation, to which the Pope reportedly replied, “Hello, Holy Son.”
The potential of a bacterial infection getting into his bloodstream and causing sepsis was the main worry of medical professionals.
Dr. Alfieri, however, maintained his hope that Pope Francis would finally be released and go back to the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. However, he issued a warning that the Pope’s long-term pulmonary problems would not go away after he left the hospital.
Even during prior hospital stints, he rarely gave his morning Angelus speech, so the doctors at Gemelli Hospital had to make the painful choice to stop him from doing so.
The Pope is now closely adhering to medical orders, according to insiders, which is a big change from his custom of sticking to his schedule.
Pope Francis has already experienced severe health issues. He spent several days in the hospital in March 2023 after contracting a respiratory infection.
According to the Vatican, Francis had been having trouble breathing and had been taken to Gemelli Hospital for examinations. After ruling out COVID-19, the doctors concluded that he needed specialized care and a prolonged hospital stay.
The Pope conveyed his appreciation for the prayers and assistance he received from all throughout the world during his recuperation. He was admitted to the hospital once more a few months later, in June 2023, for abdominal surgery to treat a painful incisional hernia.
Intestinal obstructions had been caused by the condition, which was a consequence of earlier surgeries. He spent nine days in the hospital before making his way back to the Vatican, opting to enter covertly through a side gate without pausing to speak to the reporters waiting outside.
He enjoyed a “restful tenth night” in the hospital on February 24, according to the Holy See Press Office, which has continued to offer regular updates on his health. According to the statement, “The Pope slept and is resting; the night went well.”
But when Pope Francis’ health deteriorated, worries about the 88-year-old pope’s wellbeing grew. The elite squad in charge of the Pope’s protection, the Swiss Guard, was rumored to have started getting ready for his potential death.
According to reports, a curfew had been imposed on the guards, indicating increased internal preparations. “We are continuing our work as usual,” a Swiss Guard official said, dismissing these allegations and highlighting the fact that regular operations had not altered.
Pope Francis, however, has been in excruciating discomfort and has privately expressed uncertainty about his prognosis, according to people allegedly knowledgeable with the matter.
Pope Francis reportedly acted quickly to complete important projects and make important appointments as his health deteriorated. His radical measures during his pontificate frequently caused ideological rifts within the Church.
He gave top priority to choices that would influence the Catholic Church long after his term ended, seemingly in an attempt to solidify his worldview.
In an interview with Italian media, Cardinal Angelo Comastri provided insight into the Pope’s mentality, stating, “Francis is very serene.” The Lord is in control of his helm.
Still, there was an increasing sense of disquiet in Vatican City. Devotees assembled outside Gemelli Hospital to pray for Pope Francis’ speedy recovery.
