Vatican City: Pope Francis in his last will said that he should be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
The leader of Catholic Church died at the age of 88 on Monday following what the Vatican said from a stroke that caused coma, leading to an ‘irreversible’ heart failure.
In his will dated June 29, 2022, Francis requested for a simple, undecorated tomb with only the inscription ‘Franciscus,’ The New York Times reported citing a release from Vatican.
Pope Francis in the will expressed his ‘feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching’.
The document released by the Vatican Monday said that ‘I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy’, adding that ‘Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore’.
Concluding the will, Pope Francis said: ‘May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.’
It is reported that decisions regarding the Pope's funeral will be made today. The Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Ferrell will lead the funeral services.
A public viewing will be held at St. Peter's Basilica tomorrow, where countless believers are flocking.
Until a new pope is elected, the role is carried out by a cardinal with the title of 'camerlengo'.