International
Pope Francis left his last will in a document dated June 29, 2022, in which he simply details the place where he wishes to rest, the spiritual motifs that led him to choose it and how the expenses of his burial will be covered.
A portrait of the late Pope Francis is exhibited in the Franciscan Church of the old city of Jerusalem. (Free Press Photo: AFP)
At 8:00 p.m. (Vatican time), after sealing the papal apartment and moving its body to the chapel of its residence, the Santa Marta house, the testament that Francisco was written was released and that was written on June 29.
“Miserand Atque choosing. In the name of the Blessed Trinity. Amen.
Feeling that the end of my earthly life is approaching and with living hope in eternal life, I want to express my will only with respect to the place of my burial.
I have always trusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest waiting for the day of the resurrection in the papal basilica of Santa María la Mayor.
I want my last earthly trip to end precisely in this former Marian sanctuary, where I went to pray at the beginning and end of each apostolic trip to trust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank her for her docile and maternal care.
I request that my grave be prepared in the niche of the side nave, between the Paulina chapel (Chapel of the Populi Romani Salus) and the Sforza chapel of the aforementioned papal basilica, as indicated in the attached document.
The grave must be on earth; Simple, without particular decoration and with the only registration: Franciscus.
The expenses for the preparation of my funeral will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, and that is transferred to the papal basilica of Santa María la Mayor, and of which I have given appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, extraordinary commissioner of the Liberian chapter.
That the Lord grants the deserved reward for those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. I offered to the Lord the suffering that was present in the last part of my life for peace in the world and fraternity between peoples.
Santa Marta, June 29, 2022 Francisco ”.