After the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Vatican made his spiritual testament public. As with most things during his life, it wasn’t about power or politics—it was a deeply human and humble message. Rather than a list of instructions, it felt more like a quiet, symbolic farewell that echoed the values he lived by: faith, simplicity, and compassion.
What Does Pope Francis’ Spiritual Testament Say?
The document was written on June 29, 2022, at a time when Francis already sensed that his health might not allow him to go on for much longer.
“Feeling that the twilight of my earthly life is near, and with a lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only regarding the place of my burial,” he began.
That’s right—the only thing he wanted to leave in writing was where he wanted to be laid to rest.
Where Will Pope Francis Be Buried?
Pope Francis asked for his remains to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, the same Marian sanctuary he visited before and after every apostolic journey. He didn’t ask for grandeur or marble tributes—he requested a simple tomb, nestled between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, with no embellishments, no monuments. Just a single word engraved: Franciscus.
“I wish for my last earthly journey to end in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I came to pray at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey.”
Pope’s last will & testament (written in 2022) saying he offers his “suffering in the last part of my life for peace in the world & fraternity among people.”
Asks to be “buried in the ground, simple, without particular decoration, with only the inscription Franciscus” pic.twitter.com/bPIzVOpcDL
— Delia Gallagher (@deliavatican) April 21, 2025
Who Is in Charge of Fulfilling His Final Wishes?
He also specified that the burial expenses should be covered by an anonymous benefactor—a person he trusted and personally appointed. All his final wishes were entrusted to Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, who now has the responsibility to ensure they are honored exactly as requested.
In his final lines, Pope Francis didn’t mention the Church or its power. Instead, he wrote about suffering, peace, and fraternity. He made it clear that the pain he endured in his final years was something he offered to God, as a prayer for global peace and unity among nations.
“The suffering present in the final part of my life, I offered to the Lord for world peace and fraternity among peoples.”
Far from palaces and monuments, Pope Francis chose to leave as he lived—with faith, simplicity, and care for others. His will wasn’t a grand institutional gesture, but a reminder that being a good person still matters, even (and especially) when you hold great power.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva.