What it's like in the church Pope Francis chose as his final resting place

npr.orgPublished: 4/25/2025

Summary

Pope Francis made history by being buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major instead of the Vatican Grottoes after his funeral—a choice influenced by a legend about the church built after the Virgin Mary's appearance and explicitly requested during his residence. The decision, described as "divine intervention," reflects his wish to honor her memory deeply while emphasizing simplicity and community in his final resting place.