All articles tagged with #basilica of st mary major
Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis and the Salus Populi Romani icon, paying homage and offering prayers for his predecessor and recent deceased church leaders, while also celebrating a Mass for Pope Francis and others who have passed away.
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.
Pope Francis revealed in an interview that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome due to his strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He has already made plans for his funeral and burial, working with the Vatican's master of ceremonies to simplify the Church's papal funeral rites. This decision would make him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside of the Vatican's grotto crypt in St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis has a deep connection with the basilica and regularly visits to venerate the icon known as the "Salus Populi Romani." He also discussed his health, future travel plans, and openness to the possibility of resigning.
Pope Francis has revealed in an interview that he has made arrangements to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, expressing his devotion to the church. While recovering from severe bronchitis, the pope acknowledges his declining capabilities due to old age and rethinks overseas trips. He affirms his belief that the papacy is a position held until death and waits for God to decide when his reign should end. Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis has chosen not to be buried in the grotto under St. Peter's Basilica, opting for a more personal connection with the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he frequently prays.
Pope Francis visited the Basilica of St Mary Major ahead of his 41st Apostolic Journey outside of Italy, which will take him to Budapest, Hungary. During his visit, he prayed before the image of Mary, "Salus Populi Romani," and invoked her protection for the upcoming Journey. The Pope's visit to Hungary will take him to the heart of a Europe "upon which the icy winds of war continue to blow."