Vatican: Francis Wants to be Buried in St. Mary Major

Francis's Grave

Speaking to Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki, the Pope spoke of his “great devotion” to the Virgin Mary, particularly to the Salus Populi Romani, [Mary, Protection of the Roman People] the icon that arrived in Rome in 590. “I want to be buried in St. Mary Major,” he said. – The popes of the 20th century are all buried in the grotto crypt of St. Peter’s, with the exception of Leo XIII, who was transferred to St. John Lateran in 1924.

The resting place for his remains has already been prepared in the basilica. It is in a chapel located in the left nave of the church, next to the one which houses the icon of the Virgin.

The Pope's Health

When the journalist Alazraki asked about his health, the Pope replied: “I need you to pray for my health. Old age does not wear makeup, it presents itself as it is. And on the other hand, you have to know how to accept the gifts of old age. We must accept that we can do a lot of good from another perspective.”

The Pontiff, however, declared that he felt good: “I feel good, I feel improved. Sometimes I’m told I’m imprudent because I feel like doing things and moving around. But I guess those are good signs, no? I am quite well.”

The Question of Resignation

The Bishop of Rome does not rule out resigning one day, but in this year of fragile health, he has not considered activating the letter of resignation that he had given at the start of his pontificate to Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State at that time. He explains that he did not think about it and that he admires the courage of Benedict XVI who resigned when he could no longer continue.

He also said he was preparing for the end: “I have already been working with the Master of Ceremonies preparing for the Pope’s funeral rite. We simplified it a lot,” he explained. “It needed to be done. Well… the ritual is the first time I’ve done it.”

International Travel

The Pope also explains that his travels must be “rethought” taking into account his physical limits, but without excluding distant trips.

The Holy Father said he has already planned some international trips. “The one to Belgium is assured: it is already confirmed; and there are two pending, one to Polynesia and another to Argentina, which are waiting; we'll see how things go.”

Francis’s Harshness

Asked if he has become “more tough,” stronger in his methods of government since the death of his predecessor, the Pope believes that there are “some who need to be shaken up a little.” The Pope uses here the verb “pegar,” which can be translated as “to strike,” in popular Argentinian parlance. “Sometimes fathers have to reprimand their children, but never in the face.”

The Pope admits to being “complicated and sometimes a little impatient,” but he assures that there are many good people within the Curia, and that he treats them less harshly than at the start of his pontificate. “Grandfathers also become kinder, this is part of the aging,” explains the Pope.