Pope Francis Won’t be buried in Basilica: Breaking Traditions?

After the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the Vatican started preparing for the funeral. It is reported that his funeral is not going to be as regular as where the past predecessors were buried. Usually, his predecessors were buried traditionally at the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

Changes in Funeral:

There is a huge change this time, according to the sources, his funeral is not going to take place in the Vatican. In 2022, Pope Francis decided not to be buried in the Vatican. He mentioned that he should be buried away from the Vatican. He wished to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. Following this update, the funeral is going to be held for four to six days and is led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. According to the sources, it is said that they are going to place the Pope in the coffin for the public viewing.

Also Read: Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Long Illness

Formal Rites Without Any Traditions:
As per the wish of Pope Francis, his going to be buried in a very simple way. It is reported that he is going to be buried in a single zinc-lined wooden coffin. There is an old tradition coming from centuries of interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead, and oak. Without any of these, Pope Francis has mentioned that his coffin has to be very simple. This decision of his is going viral on the internet: “Simplicity”.

Also Read: Who Is Pope Francis? PM Modi Offers Emotional Condolences

Who is Pope Francis?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, led the Catholic Church and ruled Vatican City from 2013 to 2025. He became the first pope from outside Europe since Gregory III, a Syrian, in the eighth century. He also marked several firsts like the first pope from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit Order (the Society of Jesus).

Bergoglio began his religious journey when he was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969. He served as the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina from 1973 to 1979. In 1998, he took on the role of archbishop of Buenos Aires, and in 2001, he became a cardinal.