Panoramic view of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, on April 22.
The basilica was originally commissioned by Pope Liberius in 359 and rebuilt in 432 under Pope Sixtus III.
Worshippers gathered at the Pauline Chapel inside the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on April 21, following the Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis's passing.
Pope Francis confirmed in his final testament that he wished to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, unlike many previous pontiffs who were interred at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
The Pauline Chapel, the heart of the complex building plan of Saint Mary Major.
Francis stated in his will: “I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus."
The baptismal font inside the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Located in Rome, the basilica is one of the four major papal basilicas of the Diocese of Rome. While it lies within the city of Rome, it belongs to the Roman Catholic Church rather than Vatican City.
People gather at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, following the death of Pope Francis, on April 22, 2025.
Tourists in the corridor of the basilica in February.
Though geographically in Italian territory, the basilica is owned by the Holy See, also known as the Apostolic See. Italy legally recognizes this ownership and grants the basilica diplomatic immunity.
The sculpture of Pope Clement VIII, by Silla Longhi, is located above his tomb in the Pauline Chapel.
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis requested that his tomb inscription omit his papal title, including only his papal name.
The basilica houses the Sacred Cradle relic, believed to contain wood from the manger where Jesus was born.
Pope Francis during his visit to the basilica on Dec. 14, 2024.
Pope Francis's funeral will be held on April 26 at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. Following the ceremony, his body will be transferred to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial, making him the first pope in over a century to be interred outside Vatican City.
