Pope Francis - He does not want to be buried in St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Francis (86) wants to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome - and not in the Vatican Grottoes below St. Peter's Basilica like other popes. Santa Maria Maggiore is considered one of the Pope's favorite churches. After every trip, Francis is said to go to the basilica to pray in front of the Marian icon Salus populi Romani. According to media reports, the Pope explained in an interview with Mexican broadcaster N+ that he had decided to be buried in the basilica. "The place is already prepared."
No thoughts of retirement
Despite a number of health setbacks this year, Pope Francis has not considered resigning, he also explained. He said he had confirmed a trip to Belgium next year and was also considering a visit to his native Argentina. However, the Pope also told N+: "It is true that all trips are now being reconsidered." He added: "If they are close by, they can be done. If they are further away, they will be reconsidered. There are limits."
The head of the Church recently suffered from bronchitis, but is now well again, Francis said. The Pope, who will turn 87 on 17 December, has already had to contend with health problems this year: in March, he was admitted to hospital in Rome with a respiratory infection, in May he suffered from a fever and had to cancel appointments.
In June, the pontiff then had to undergo emergency surgery due to an impending intestinal blockage and then stay in hospital again for several days. The Pope had also already undergone surgery in 2021 due to an inflammation of the intestine. Francis, who has been Pope since 2013, is also said to have knee problems. He has therefore attended some appointments in a wheelchair in the past.
Admiration for his predecessor
Francis said in the new interview that he would be prepared to resign if his health were to deteriorate extremely. "I ask the Lord to say 'enough' at some point, but when he wants to," he said. He admired the "courage" of his predecessor Benedict XVI (1927-2022), who stepped down in 2013, Francis said.
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- Contrary to tradition, Pope Francis has chosen Santa Maria Maggiore as his preferred resting place, opting to be buried there instead of the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter's Cathedral.
- The Pope's decision to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore stems from his deep affection for the basilica, visiting it regularly after every trip to pray before the icon Salus populi Romani.
- During an interview with Mexican broadcaster N+, Pope Francis revealed that the preparations for his burial in Santa Maria Maggiore have already been made within the Vatican.
Source: www.stern.de
