A “simple” tomb “in the ground” bearing solely the inscription “Franciscus” is among the many Pope’s needs for his burial, based on a closing testomony launched by the Vatican.
Pope Francis died on the age of 88 on Monday, a day after showing on the balcony in St Peter’s Sq. on Easter Sunday.
The Vatican mentioned he died from a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible coronary heart failure.
Under is the Pope’s closing testomony in full, signed 29 June 2022.
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The Vatican shared the Pope’s closing testomony together with his burial needs. Pic: The Vatican
“As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
“All through my life, and through my ministry as a priest and bishop, I’ve all the time entrusted myself to the Mom of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For that reason, I ask that my mortal stays relaxation – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – within the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Main.
“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.
“I ask that my tomb be ready within the burial area of interest within the facet aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as proven within the connected plan.
“The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
“The price of getting ready the burial can be coated by a sum supplied by a benefactor, which I’ve organized to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Main.
“I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
“Might the Lord grant a becoming reward to all those that have liked me and who proceed to hope for me.
“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.”
