The Vatican officially announced Pope Francis’s will, which he expressed in his final testament three years before his death
This significant and at the same time somber event marks a new chapter in the history of the highest spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of the spiritual legacy that the Pope left to his followers and the world. According to information published on the Vatican’s official website, the texts of the document and detailed instructions regarding his future burial are also made available there. In it, the pontiff clearly and unambiguously defined the place of his earthly final journey — the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It was there that, in his customary prayer, he wished to rest among saints and believers who prayed for his health until the very end. This location held special significance for Francis: it was in this basilica that he spent time in prayer, seeking spiritual strength and inspiration, and it was also where he wanted to find peace in his final moments. In his will, the Pope explicitly outlined that his tomb should be as modest and simple as possible. Only the name “Franciscus” should adorn the gravestone — without adornments, without unnecessary symbols, highlighting his desire for spiritual humility and simplicity. The costs of preparing the funeral have already been covered by benefactors — the necessary financial resources were transferred to the basilica, and all expenses related to the burial will be covered. This perhaps reflects the Pope’s particular emphasis on modesty and his rejection of any pomp in the face of death. Almost three years before the tragic event, in June 2022, Francis personally wrote this will. At the end, he expressed gratitude to all who loved him, prayed for him, and supported him during the difficult period for the Church. The words about his final suffering particularly stand out in his testament. Pope Francis shared his feelings regarding his last period of life, noting that he accepted these trials as a gift for peace in the world and brotherhood among nations, adding that all his suffering was a gift from the Lord, who seeks to heal and unite humanity. Overall, it should be noted that Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in Vatican, after suffering a stroke, which, as determined by forensic examination, caused his coma and heart failure. Vatican’s chief doctor, Andrea Arcangeli, confirmed that the pontiff’s condition was critical, and his death resulted from complications following the stroke. Meanwhile, the first signs of respect for the memory of Pope Francis are already being heard around the world. In the United States, by order of the sitting President Donald Trump, the level of official symbols was lowered — flags at government and military facilities were flown at half-mast to demonstrate mourning and respectful attitude toward the memory of the universal spiritual mentor. Trump and his wife Melania have already announced their plans to attend the funeral ceremony in Vatican to personally express their respect and gratitude for Francis’s contribution to the global spiritual space. Thus, the story of spirituality and humanity continues to be written, and the place and format of the funeral, chosen in the will — symbols of humility, spiritual depth, and self-sacrifice — will serve as another reminder to the world of the values that Pope Francis adhered to and left as his legacy.