The Pope refuses to be buried in the Vatican and, because of his devotion to Mary, wishes to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he will pray before and after each of his trips abroad. The funeral service is to take place in St. Peter’s Square.
Francis, who celebrates his 87th birthday on Sunday, told a Mexican television channel that he is working with Vatican Master of Ceremonies Archbishop Diego Ravelli to simplify the complex rites of the Supreme Pontiff used by his predecessors.
The last Pope buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and is buried in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.
Francis led his papacy with simplicity. Since his election in 2013, he has eschewed the “mozzetta”, a crimson cape with fur details, and ditched the red “fisherman’s shoes” in favor of simple black shoes. Use plastic watches and donate others that can be auctioned for charity. As for his health, it is clear: “I feel good, I feel better.”