Pope Francis’ final wishes revealed in his spiritual testament

Pope Francis’ heartfelt final wishes were made public following his death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The Vatican released his spiritual testament written on June 29, 2022, in which he expressed his desire to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a place of personal devotion throughout his papacy.

In the document, the late Pope began by entrusting himself to the Holy Trinity, writing: "In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen."

Aware that the end of his earthly life was drawing near, he focused solely on his burial place.

"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," he wrote.

Throughout his years as a priest and bishop, Pope Francis maintained a close spiritual connection with the Virgin Mary.

He recalled this devotion in his testament, stating, "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."

The Pope asked that his body be laid to rest in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, awaiting the Resurrection, describing it as a place where he often paused to pray during his travels.

"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," he explained.

The Pope gave detailed instructions about the location of his tomb, which he wanted placed in the ground without decoration.

He said the grave should carry only the simple inscription: Franciscus.

He specified that it be located between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, based on an attached plan.

He further stated that the cost of the burial would be covered by funds from a benefactor, which had already been arranged.

These instructions were given to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

In his final words of the testament, Pope Francis offered a message of peace and brotherhood.

He wrote, "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."

His death was confirmed by the Vatican on April 21, 2025.

"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta," the statement said.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, confirmed that the Pope died at 7:35 a.m.

"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," he said.

Ferrell added that Pope Francis lived a life of faith, courage, and love, especially for the poor and the forgotten.

A medical report released by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, confirmed the cause of death.

The Pope suffered a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible heart failure.

According to the report, he also had a medical history of respiratory failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, pneumonia, and other chronic conditions.

His death was confirmed using electrocardiographic thanatography.

Dr. Arcangeli wrote, "I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above."