Pope Francis will be the first Pope in 100 years, to be buried away from the Vatican, if his final resting place wish in granted.
Speaking in an interview with a Mexican TV channel on Wednesday, the pope said that he would not wish to be buried alongside his predecessors at the St. Peter’s Basilica and Instead, he wants to be laid to rest at a Roman Basilica, which he shares a close connection.
“The place is already prepared. I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore,” he said.
The last pope to be buried away from St. Peters Basilica is Leo XIII who died in 1903. He was buried in St. John The Lateran in Rome.
According to Vatican News Official outlet, 7 popes have been laid to rest at the Vatican.
The Pontiff however prefers to be buried at Santa Maria so that he can be close to his ‘favourite icon’ Madonna. He also prays a lot there before every trip and even before he underwent surgery.
Pope Francis, who will be turning 87 years old this weekend also said that he will be visiting Belgium in 2024, as well as his native Argentina and Polynesia.
“It is true that all journeys are now rethought. If they’re close by, they can be done. If they’re farther away they are rethought. There are limits,” he said.
‘Francis’ planned visit to Belgium is to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the country’s two main Catholic universities.’
The pope further said that he had never though of resigning despite facing health issues multiple time.
He was to attend the Climate Summit in Dubai recently, but the trip was cancelled due to acute bronchitis. One of his lungs was removed when he was younger. He however appears to be fine and recovered from illness.
