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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Giselda Vagnoni

Pope breaks with tradition over burial site

  • Pope Francis will be buried outside the Vatican in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major), breaking with tradition.
  • This is the first papal burial outside the Vatican in over a century, the last being Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
  • The Pope's chosen burial site reflects his humble approach to the papacy, a characteristic he maintained throughout his tenure.
  • St Mary Major Basilica held significance for Pope Francis due to his devotion to Mary, Mother of God, and he frequently prayed there during his papacy.
  • His burial will be simple, as per his wishes, with his grave marked only with his papal name in Latin, "Franciscus".

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