Why Pope Francis won’t be buried in the Vatican as major tradition is broken

It was announced by the Vatican earlier this morning (21 April) that Pope Francis passed away, but there is a reason as to why he won't be buried in the Vatican - something which breaks a major long-running tradition.

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news in an official statement which confirmed that, at 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome 'returned to the home of the Father'.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," the statement continued. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune."

Tributes for the late 88-year-old across the globe have since poured in including from King Charles III and JD Vance and, now that Pope Francis' death has been confirmed and the nine days of mourning is set to commence, the church will enact a series of rituals before a successor is eventually chosen.

Now, unlike his many predecessors, Francis had previously said that he would not be laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on the other side of the River Tiber in Rome.

He also asked to be buried in a simple wooden casket.

This makes the late Pope the first one in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican as, while several other popes have been laid to rest in Santa Maria Maggiore, Francis will be the first since Leo XIII, who died in 1903, not to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Francis revealed his plans to break the major tradition in December of 2023, explaining that he felt a 'very strong connection' with the basilica, which he used to visit on Sunday mornings to honour the Virgin Mary.

The late Pope Francis, 88, won't be buried in the Vatican (Lisa Maree Williams / Stringer / Getty Images)

"I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore," he previously said. "Because it is my great devotion."

On Easter Sunday (20 April), Francis attended his last public appearance on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, where he gave the attendees a heartfelt speech.

His message was one of peace and 'respect for the views of others'.

Reading on his behalf, an aide said: "There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression."

He continued to mention the people who have died in Gaza, with a particular focus on the Christians there, where he further noted that the conflict 'causes death and destruction' and creates a 'deplorable humanitarian situation'.

"What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world," he said.

Pope Francis extended his sympathy for 'all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people' and also urged for a ceasefire, adding: "Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace."