By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Apr 27, 2025 / 09:15 am
Pope Francis passed away Easter Monday, April 21. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. His burial at St. Mary Major took place Saturday, April 26.
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A Lithuanian cardinal says that Pope Francis chose his final resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major following what the late pontiff described as guidance from the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Speaking to journalists after Saturday’s burial, Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, co-adjutor archpriest of the basilica, shares that he had initially asked Francis on May 13, 2022 — the feast of Our Lady of Fatima — if he would consider being buried at St. Mary Major.
The pope declined, saying popes should traditionally be buried at St. Peter’s Basilica, reports ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.
However, just one week later, Francis summoned Makrickas and told him, “The Virgin told me ‘prepare your tomb,’” adding: “I am happy that the Virgin has not forgotten about me.”
Mourners lined the streets of Rome yesterday as the pope’s wishes were fulfilled with his burial at the Marian basilica, where pilgrims are now beginning to visit his simple tomb marked “FRANCISCVS.”
