Rome, Italy – Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis fostered a deep and personal devotion to the Virgin Mary. Every time he returned to Rome after traveling abroad, he made a private pilgrimage to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — the first Roman church ever dedicated to Mary, dating back to the 4th century. Now, in a profoundly symbolic gesture, it has been confirmed that this beloved basilica will become Pope Francis’s final resting place.
Located in the vibrant Esquilino neighborhood, a short distance from Rome’s bustling Termini Station and historic landmarks like the Colosseum, Santa Maria Maggiore stands as one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome. Despite being part of Vatican territory, the basilica is embedded in the heart of the “real” Rome — surrounded by cafes, bus stops, and everyday city life — a sharp contrast to the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, where most popes are traditionally entombed.
Yet within Santa Maria Maggiore, grandeur is found in quieter forms: magnificent chapels, ancient mosaics, and gilded woodwork that testify to centuries of faith and history. Seven popes are already buried here, alongside what is believed to be a relic from the crib of Jesus and the revered icon of the Virgin Mary known as the Salus Populi Romani. It was before this icon that Francis often prayed, seeking protection before and after his travels.
The story behind Pope Francis’s decision to be buried here was shared by Santa Maria Maggiore’s senior priest, Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, in an interview with Il Messaggero.
“In May 2022,” Makrickas recounted, “I asked the Holy Father whether he had ever thought about resting here permanently, given his deep affection for the basilica.” At first, Francis brushed off the suggestion, noting that popes are traditionally buried at St. Peter’s.
However, just a week later, the Pope phoned him. “The Virgin Mary has told me to prepare my tomb,” Francis said simply. He instructed Makrickas to find a suitable spot for his future grave, praising the priest for his insight.
The tomb chosen is next to the cherished icon of the Virgin Mary — a location now temporarily hidden behind protective plywood as preparations continue.
Staff members at the basilica, including a longtime security guard who spoke anonymously, recalled the Pope’s many visits with fondness. “We used to see him often,” the guard said. “One day he asked me, ‘Why are you always here?’ I replied, ‘Holy Father, I’m working — just like you.'”
Even now, visitors continue to stream into Santa Maria Maggiore’s cool, dimly lit interior, seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of silence. Confessional booths in various languages offer spiritual refuge, and from time to time, the echoing voice of a sacristan reminds the crowds: “Silenzio.”
Outside, amid the midday Roman heat, a woman named Pat from Manchester shared her reflections with the BBC. A devout Catholic, she had always dreamed of visiting the basilica, knowing its special place in Pope Francis’s heart.
“I didn’t want to read too much about it beforehand,” she said, shielding her eyes from the sun. “I wanted to feel it.”
Standing in awe, she added, “Beautiful isn’t even the word — it’s vast, it’s moving. I feel full of the spirit.”
Pat had landed in Rome on Monday morning, learning of the Pope’s death upon arrival. Despite the sadness, her visit remained a pilgrimage of joy and reverence.
On Saturday afternoon, following a final farewell from the Vatican, Pope Francis’s body will make one last journey through Rome to Santa Maria Maggiore — echoing the countless quiet trips he made during his life. The basilica will close for a few hours for the private internment, after which it will reopen to the faithful.
Visitors will continue to come, some seeking to capture the spirit that moved Pope Francis so deeply, others marveling at the ancient mosaics and art. Now, beside the icon of the Virgin he loved, the humble pope who asked for prayers “for me” at every appearance will begin his eternal rest.
