ROME (AP) 鈥 Pope Francis chose his place of burial in St. Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of the Madonna that he revered, because it reflects his 鈥渉umble, simple and essential鈥欌 life, the archbishop who administers the basilica said Friday.
Francis, who , will be buried in a niche tomb in the basilica on Saturday after his funeral in about 4 kilometers (2 1/2 miles) away.
Francis initially demurred when Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas suggested in May 2022 that he choose St. Mary Major as his last resting place. Makrickas had identified it because of the pontiff's long association with the basilica, its ties to Francis鈥 Jesuit order, its artistic and spiritual heritage and links to the papacy. Seven other popes are buried there, but none since 1669.
At first, "he said no because popes are buried in St. Peter's," Makrickas told reporters on the steps of the basilica. 鈥淎fter a week, he called me to (his home at the Vatican) Santa Marta and he said 鈥楶repare my tomb.鈥"
The pope later insisted that his tomb remain simple, stressing that people should still come to the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary 鈥渢o venerate the Madonna, not to see the tomb of a pope," Makrickas said.
Marble from Liguria
Francis will be buried beneath a simple headstone made of marble from Liguria, the Italian region of his mother's family, engraved with his name in Latin: Franciscus. Above it will hang a slightly enlarged replica of his pectoral cross, featuring raised images of a shepherd carrying a sheep over his shoulders and a dove, but no other adornments.
The tomb is placed in a niche next to the chapel where the Salus Populi Romani icon that the pope revered is located, and in a part of the basilica that was once a door to an adjacent palace where four popes lived. During his 12-year papacy, Francis would pray before the icon before and after each foreign trip.
The basilica also has significance for the Jesuit pope: It's where the founder of the religious order, St. Ignatius Loyola, celebrated his first Mass on Christmas Day in 1538.
St. Mary Major is a pontifical basilica, one of four in Rome, and has never been 鈥渄estroyed, damaged or burned鈥 over the ages, with history dating back to the fifth century. Makrickas called it 鈥渁 treasure chest of art and spirituality."
Mary's protection
Tens of thousands of faithful flocked here since Francis鈥 death on Monday, and hundreds stood patiently in line on Friday morning to explore the place where he will be buried, now cordoned off and obscured by plywood.
Carlos Taborda, 39, traveled to Europe from Brazil with his husband and a group of friends.
鈥淚t was a coincidence to be in Italy now, for the pope鈥檚 death," he said. 鈥淲e paid homage to him yesterday in St. Peter鈥檚 and now we鈥檙e going to see the place where he鈥檒l rest forever.鈥
Felicia Verawati, a 35-year-old nun from Indonesia, prayed in silence in front of the wooden box protecting Francis鈥 tomb.
鈥淭o me this pope was very special,鈥 she said. 鈥淗e would always come to pray in this church, I think because he could feel Mary鈥檚 protection here.鈥
St. Mary Major is perched on top of one of the seven hills on which ancient Rome was built and its bell tower is the tallest in the capital.
While Francis鈥 tomb will be simple and essential, the basilica strikes visitors with its gilded wood ceilings and intricate mosaics adorning the floor of the central nave.
Special bond with youth
鈥淚 felt very close to Francis, I liked his kindness,鈥 said 8-year-old Flavia Chiodaroli, who came to Rome with her parents from Pavia, in northern Italy. 鈥淚 want to tell Francis I love him very much and I hope the next pope will be like him.鈥
Chiodaroli was among the many children and teens who visited St. Mary Major on Friday as part of the Jubilee of Teenagers, which was taking place in Rome despite Francis鈥 death. The event is expected to draw over 80,000 teenagers from all over the world to the Vatican to celebrate the special bond between Francis and youth.
The pope will start his final journey on Saturday morning from St. Peter鈥檚 Square 鈥 where his funeral will be attended by over 160 international delegations, including royals and world leaders.
His casket will be driven to St. Mary Major through Rome. The motorcade is expected to move slowly so that the public along the route can pay homage for the last time.
Upon arrival, Francis' casket will be greeted by a group of Rome鈥檚 poor and needy people, those whom the pontiff felt closer to. Around 40 people 鈥 homeless, prisoners, migrants and transgenders 鈥 will salute the pope holding a white rose, just before his burial.
鈥淭he poor have a special place in the heart of the Holy Father, who chose the name Francis to never forget them,鈥 the Vatican said.
鈥 Nicole Winfield contributed to this report
