Where is the Basilica of Saint Mary the Major? The reason why Francis chose it rather than St. Peter’s
The Pope will be buried in one of the four papal basilicas in Rome and one of the five patriarchal basilicas, out of his express wish and devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Patriarchal basilicas are churches of great importance in the Catholic Church, traditionally associated with the patriarchs of the ancient apostolic sees. These basilicas have special privileges and are linked to the five original patriarchates: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.
In Rome, the patriarchal basilicas include:
- St. Peter’s
- St. John Lateran
- St. Paul Outside the Walls
- St. Mary Major
These basilicas are places of pilgrimage and have special liturgical and historical significance. The patriarchal basilicas in Rome are the site of several important events throughout the year. Some of the most notable events include:
- Jubilee Year: Celebrated every 25 years, the Jubilee is a special period of prayer, reflection, and penance. During this time, pilgrims can obtain a plenary indulgence by crossing the Holy Doors of basilicas.
- Liturgical Feasts: Each basilica has its own liturgical celebrations. For example, the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major is celebrated every year on August 5.
- Pilgrimages: Basilicas are popular destinations for pilgrimages, especially during important religious events such as Holy Week and Christmas.
- Papal Masses: On special occasions, the Pope celebrates Masses in these basilicas, attracting thousands of faithful from around the world.
The chosen location will be outside the Vatican:
— Mambo Italiano (@mamboitaliano__) April 24, 2025
Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) ✨
It’s one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, a masterpiece of Christian art, architecture and history pic.twitter.com/f5IRNrNSO4
This is the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
It is known for its impressive architecture and its historical and religious significance. The basilica houses the icon of the Salus Populi Romani and the Holy Cradle of Jesus. Built on the site of a pagan temple of Cybele, Saint Mary Major preserves the basilica’s floor plan and the early Christian structure.
It is the largest of Rome’s eighty Marian churches, commissioned by Pope Sixtus III in 432 on the Esquiline Hill. The basilica was built on the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to Pope Liberius, and where on August 5, a blanket of snow appeared covering the hill in midsummer. This day is commemorated each year with white petals falling from the roof.
Why the Pope will be buried here
Pope Francis has expressed his desire to be buried in this Basilica because of his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially to the icon of the Salus Populi Romani. Since before assuming the papacy, he has maintained a special connection with this basilica, visiting it before and after each international trip to pray.
🎥VIDEO | In an exclusive interview with @nmas, Pope Francis said that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary the Major, and not in St. Peter's Basilica like his predecessors. pic.twitter.com/bxfjFTx3P4
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) December 13, 2023
Furthermore, Pope Francis has mentioned that the Vatican is his final resting place, but not his final resting place. He prefers a simple, uneventful farewell, true to his personality and career.
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