Pope Francis: Vatican shows the first picture of his grave

The grave of Pope Francis (1936-2025) remains hidden from the visitor’s eyes behind a simple blocking block in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. But the Vatican has now published a photo for the first time: the final resting place is as modest as the Pope had wanted. A simple stone rests on the floor that only bears a single name – “Franciscus”. Above it is reminiscent of the wall of its silver breast cross on the wall of the life and work of the Pontifex.

The tomb is manufactured from a white marble from Liguria according to Francis’s wish. The family of the native Argentine comes from the region in north -westitals. His mother’s grandfather emigrated to Buenos Aires, where he died in 1882.

The grave is incorporated into a niche in the left aisle of the basilica, very close to the “Salus Populi Romani” image. This icon had grown particularly dear to the late Pope – again and again he went to prayer. Francis last prayed in the week before his death before his favorite picture.

In his last will, Pope Francis had expressly stipulated that he did not want to be buried in the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica – the church in which most popes find their last rest. The shine and size of this place never fits its modest being. It was not for nothing that he chose the name of St. Franz von Assisi, which is known for his voluntary poverty and simplicity. Instead, Francis now finds his final resting place in Santa Maria Maggiore – a place where only seven popes were buried in front of him. The last of them was released there more than 300 years ago.

Pope Francis’ coffin is currently still set up in St. Peter’s Basilica. Grieving can say goodbye to him there. A funeral service will take place on Petersplatz on Saturday at 10 a.m. Then the coffin is brought to the Santa Maria Maggiore.