• Pope Francis's final resting place will be a simple marble tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore.
• The tomb will feature only the inscription “Franciscus” and a pectoral cross above it.
• Chosen for its significance, the site is beloved by Pope Francis for its connection to the Virgin Mary.
• It will be the first papal burial in Santa Maria Maggiore since Clement IX in 1669.
• The marble for the tomb will be sourced from the region of Liguria, linked to the Pope’s ancestry.

Pope Francis's final resting place will be a simple marble tomb in the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which holds great significance for him. The Vatican confirmed this detail along with an image of the design, highlighting that the tombstone will bear only the inscription “Franciscus,” which is the pope’s name in Latin. The choice of marble is particularly meaningful as it will come from Liguria, a region closely tied to his Italian ancestry, according to South China Morning Post and Dawn.

Located near the altar dedicated to Saint Francis within the basilica, the tomb will also display a reproduction of the pectoral cross that Pope Francis wore throughout his life. Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, already contains the tombs of seven previous popes and is recognized for its historical and architectural value. Built around 432 AD, the basilica boasts significant relics, including a famed icon attributed to Saint Luke, according to BBC, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

Pope Francis, who was born Jorge Bergoglio, had expressed his wish in 2023 to be buried specifically in Santa Maria Maggiore, a location that resonates with his devotion to the Virgin Mary. This decision is particularly noteworthy as the last pope interred in this basilica was Clement IX, who was laid to rest there in 1669. The site has long been a cherished location for the pontiff, as he made a habit of praying there both before and after his travels, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.

As people continue to visit Santa Maria Maggiore to pay homage, the atmosphere reflects the profound respect and admiration for Pope Francis. Visitors express their feelings of spirituality and connection to the pope through the site, reinforcing its significance as the future resting place of a leader deeply adored by many, as reported by BBC and Dawn.