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Ever since giving his first formal speech while dressed in simple white robes, contrasting the elegantly trimmed capes traditionally worn, Pope Francis has strayed somewhat from the Roman Catholic “norms.” This diversion also includes his decision on where to be buried, as he had been revising and simplifying his funeral rites over the past few years.

Popes are, in fact, allowed to be buried in various churches across Rome, not just in the heart of the Vatican. During the 14th century, some even claimed France as their final resting place after the papacy was moved to the French-Italian border following political strife. However, after Pope Leo XIII's interment at St. John Lateran in 1903, every succeeding pope has chosen to be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican Grottoes. 

That is until Pope Francis. Even during his early years in power, the Pope declared his wishes for the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located at the summit of Rome’s Esquiline Hill, to be his resting place. Surprisingly, he is not the first to choose this for burial, as Pope Clement IX was laid there in the 17th century.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (also referred to as Saint Mary Major) is a Roman church built in the early fifth century. An intricate entity, the Basilica’s exterior comprises slender arches that make up the varying chapels, as well Rome’s tallest brick bell tower. The building’s facades were designed by architect Ferdinando Fuga in 1750, in celebration of the Catholic Church’s renounced Jubilee Year, and narrate the origin story of the Basilica. Stepping inside, the Cosmatesque floors and ceilings– designed by Giuliano and Antonio da Sangallo– are adorned in gilded wood, every inch saturated with historical significance.

The paleochristian mosaics within the triumphal arch, preserved since their creation circa 430, detail Jesus’ childhood, signifying the beginning of large-scale Christian narrative art. Secured within the walls also lies The Relic of the Holy Crib, a crystal reliquary holding wooden shards believed to have come from Jesus’ original manger in Bethlehem; a marble nativity scene crafted by Arnolfo di Cambio; and the Salus Populi Romani, a cedar panel depicting Madonna with Baby Jesus in her arms. 

Not only is the Salus Populi Romani deemed the most important Marian icon, but it was also Pope Francis' favorite. Taking over 100 trips abroad, he would make it his mission to visit Saint Mary Major, so he could pray to the Virgin Mary before and after his travels.

In his final testament, Pope Francis stated his desire to be buried "in the earth, simple, without particular decoration." The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is not only fulfilling this wish, but also allowing him to rest beside his favorite icon eternally.