The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which Pope Francis chose as his final resting place, is a fifth-century church located in the centre of Rome that already holds the tombs of seven popes. The ...

A white rose lays on the tomb of Pope Francis in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, in Rome, Italy, on April 27, 2025. VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Images. 4 of 12.

The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore remains close to its origins. The central nave is lined by 40 Ionic columns and contains exquisite mosaics. One legend ties the basilica to the Virgin Mary ...

The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which Pope Francis chose as his final resting place, is a fifth-century church located in the centre of Rome that already holds the tombs of seven popes.

Pope Francis Will Be Buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. For his final resting place, Francis chose simplicity in a place of beauty. Listen to this article · 3:31 min Learn more.

Santa Maria Maggiore, or St. Mary Major, is a fifth-century basilica where Francis, in a long-held personal tradition, would pray before his trips overseas and upon returning.

The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which Pope Francis chose as his final resting place, is a fifth-century church located in the center of Rome that already holds the tombs of seven popes.

Santa Maria Maggiore's senior priest, the Lithuanian Rolandas Makrickas, gave Italian newspaper Il Messaggero his account of how the Pope's decision to be laid to rest there came about. He said ...

The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which Pope Francis chose as his final resting place, is a fifth-century church located in the center of Rome that already holds the tombs of seven popes.