Pope's final will containing his last wishes has been released to public following death aged 88
The late Pope Francis' final will containing his last wishes has now been released to the public following his death aged 88.
His passing was announced by the Vatican on Monday morning (21 April), the day after Easter Sunday and his cause of death has since been revealed as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Following the confirmation of Pope Francis' death, tributes have poured in across the globe, including from King Charles III and US vice-president JD Vance.
The nine days of mourning are now set to commence, while the church will enact a series of rituals before a successor is eventually chosen.
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Now, it is not yet clear who will now be announced the next Bishop of Rome, with a voting process likely to last between 15 to 20 days in what is known as a papal conclave.
But, it has now been revealed what the late Pope - whose real name wasn't actually Francis - wanted for his burial according to a final testament released by the Vatican.
Namely, he mapped out his wishes for a 'simple' tomb 'in the ground' bearing only the inscription 'Franciscus' - an ode to his papal name which is in honour of St Francis of Assisi, who was also praised for his progressive attitude and humility.
Pope Francis previously said St Francis inspired him as 'the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation'.
The late Pope Francis' final testament, which was signed 29 June 2022, reads in full:
"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.
"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"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 prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
"The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
"May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray 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."
Topics: Pope Francis, World News, News
Rhiannon Ingle