In a final act reflecting his lifelong commitment to humility and service, Pope Francis has chosen to be buried not in the traditional papal tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
This decision marks a significant departure from centuries of tradition, underscoring the Pope’s desire to align his final resting place with his values of modesty and devotion. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s oldest and most revered churches, held special significance for Pope Francis, who visited it over a hundred times during his papacy.
By choosing this humble burial site, Pope Francis sends a powerful message about the essence of Christian leadership—one that prioritizes service over status, and humility over grandeur. His final act serves as a poignant reminder of the teachings of Christ, who said, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
As the world reflects on Pope Francis’s legacy, his choice of burial site invites believers to consider the true meaning of discipleship and the importance of living a life rooted in humility and service to others.
