What it's like in the church Pope Francis chose as his final resting place

Npr - Apr 25th, 2025

Pope Francis will be the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican Grottoes, opting instead for a resting place in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This decision, described as a result of 'divine intervention,' was made after the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to Pope Francis in a dream, requesting that he be laid to rest in her basilica. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas shared that Francis expressed joy that Mary did not forget him. The basilica is a significant site for Francis, who visited it 126 times during his papacy to pray to the Salus Populi Romani, an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary.

This burial choice emphasizes Pope Francis' preference for simplicity and humility, consistent with his papal lifestyle. Unlike traditional papal burials that involve three nested coffins, he has chosen a single wooden casket lined with zinc. The Basilica of St. Mary Major, rich with history and associated with miraculous tales, will now include Francis among the few popes interred there. The decision to rest him there highlights his connection to the Virgin Mary and reflects his message of equality and humility, resonating with the diverse community of the Esquilino district where the basilica is located.

Pope Francis Vatican Catholic Church St. Mary Major Burial Virgin Mary Tradition Simplicity

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a detailed and engaging account of Pope Francis' burial plans, focusing on his decision to be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. It effectively conveys the historical and religious significance of this choice, while highlighting Pope Francis' emphasis on simplicity and humility.

While the article is generally accurate and well-written, it relies heavily on a single source for key claims, particularly the assertion of divine intervention. This affects its overall reliability and underscores the need for additional verification and diverse perspectives.

Despite these limitations, the article is timely and relevant, addressing topics of public interest and encouraging reflection on the intersection of personal faith and religious tradition. Its clear and accessible style ensures that it is suitable for a broad audience, while its focus on a significant religious figure ensures its impact and engagement potential.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of Pope Francis' burial plans, asserting that he will be the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican Grottoes, specifically at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This claim is supported by historical context and aligns with available sources.

However, the article's claim regarding "divine intervention" and the Virgin Mary appearing to Pope Francis is not corroborated by other sources, making it a significant point requiring verification. The historical details about the basilica and the *Salus Populi Romani* icon are generally accurate, though the narrative about the miraculous snowfall is part of a legend rather than a verified historical event.

Overall, while many factual elements align with historical and contextual records, the article includes unverifiable claims that affect its overall accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Pope Francis' relationship with the Basilica of St. Mary Major and his decision to be buried there. It presents a singular perspective that emphasizes the religious and personal significance of the basilica to Pope Francis.

There is limited exploration of alternative viewpoints or broader implications of this decision within the Catholic Church or among the faithful. The narrative could benefit from including perspectives from other religious scholars or church officials to provide a more rounded view of the significance of this burial choice.

The article does not exhibit overt bias, but the lack of diverse perspectives limits its balance.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a logical and coherent manner. It uses clear language to describe Pope Francis' burial plans and the historical context of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

The narrative flows smoothly, making it easy for readers to follow the story. The use of historical anecdotes and descriptions of the basilica enriches the article, providing readers with a vivid understanding of its significance.

Overall, the article is written in an accessible style, with minimal jargon, making it easy for a general audience to comprehend.

Source quality

The article references Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas as a primary source, which adds credibility due to his position within the church. However, it relies heavily on this single source for claims about divine intervention, without corroborating evidence from additional authoritative figures or documents.

The piece would benefit from a wider range of sources, including independent religious scholars or historians, to substantiate the claims made about Pope Francis' burial decision and its historical context.

The reliance on a single primary source for key claims limits the depth and reliability of the article's reporting.

Transparency

The article provides clear context regarding Pope Francis' relationship with the Basilica of St. Mary Major and his frequent visits there. It explains the historical and religious significance of the basilica and the *Salus Populi Romani* icon.

However, the article lacks transparency in explaining how the claim of divine intervention was verified or reported. There is no discussion of the methodology used to gather information or verify the claims made by Cardinal Makrickas.

Greater transparency in the reporting process and the inclusion of verification efforts would enhance the article's credibility.