Pope Francis Chooses Basilica of St. Mary Major for Burial

Pope Francis expressed his desire to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a Roman church he frequently visited during his pontificate. If this happens, he will be the first pope in over a century to be interred outside of St. Peter's Basilica. Currently, there are six popes buried in St. Mary Major, including Pope Clement IX, who had a two-year papacy in the 17th century, and Pope Pius V, known for his efforts to implement the decisions of the Council of Trent. Other notable figures buried there include Pauline Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini.