What makes Pope Francis' funeral different from his predecessors'? All about beloved pontiff's humble burial

His last will: Francis is buried in a simple earth grave in Santa Maria Maggiore – an extreme contrast to the posthumous splendor of many of his predecessors, who have left us unique works of art.

«I entrust one thing to you. I have spoken to the master of ceremonies and we have eliminated many other things from the pontifical funeral rite», Pope Francis revealed to the ABC correspondent in July 2023. The ritual, which had already been lightened by his predecessors Paul VI and John Paul II, was still in the opinion of Francis «too heavy». His idea was «that the popes should be veiled and buried like any child of the Church. With dignity, …

Early on Monday morning, Pope Francis passed away and the traditional funeral rituals began shortly after. Unlike many of his predecessors, the Pope has wished to be buried in a simple tomb in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore outside the Vatican City. – It is a church that has been very dear to his heart, says Helena D'Arcy, editor-in-chief of Katolskt Magasin to SVT Nyheter.

What makes Pope Francis' funeral different from his predecessors'? All about beloved pontiff's humble burial

Pope Francis will be the first Pope to be buried outside the Vatican in more than a century.

Pope Francis wants to be buried more simply than his predecessors. He has made sure in detail that the well-established Vatican apparatus will comply with his requirements.

DECRYPTAGE - In November 2024, the pope wanted to reform the funeral protocol, closer to those of a bishop than of a pope. He also refused to be buried in St Peter's Basilica in Rome.