Cardinal Makrickas Reveals Pope Francis' Humble Burial Wish

Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas has revealed why Pope Francis chose to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major instead of the traditional papal burial site at St. Peter’s. According to Makrickas, the Pope deeply cherished the Salus Populi Romani icon of the Madonna housed there, often praying before and after every foreign trip. Initially, Francis declined the idea, citing papal tradition, but a week later, he called Makrickas and simply said, "Prepare my tomb." He requested a humble headstone of Ligurian marble bearing only his Latin name, Franciscus, and insisted the focus be on the Madonna—not him. The Archbishop emphasised this final resting place perfectly mirrors the Pope’s humble and spiritual life.