VETICAN: Pope Francis has chosen to simplify the elaborate funeral rites for a pontiff and become the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
The decision was revealed by Pope Francis himself during an interview with Mexico’s N+ television to commemorate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Pope, who is set to turn 87 on Sunday, appeared jovial and in good health during the interview, discussing various topics such as his health, migration, his relationship with the late Pope Benedict XVI, and his future travel plans.
In a notable departure from the intricate, book-long funeral rites traditionally used for popes, Pope Francis shared that he has collaborated with the Vatican’s master of ceremonies to streamline the procedures for his funeral. This move aligns with the Pope’s broader efforts to simplify and reduce the extravagance associated with Vatican rituals.
Additionally, Pope Francis disclosed that, owing to his deep devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, he has chosen to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This basilica holds special significance for the Pope, as he frequents it for prayers before and after each of his international trips.
Despite being in his late 80s, Pope Francis expressed optimism about the future and revealed plans for three trips in the coming year. These trips include visits to Polynesia, Belgium, and a significant milestone—his first visit to his native Argentina since his papal election in 2013.
Pope Francis’s decisions to simplify his funeral rites and opt for burial outside the Vatican underscore his commitment to humility and a departure from the more extravagant traditions of his predecessors. The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place of personal significance, adds a poignant touch to his departure from longstanding Vatican practices.
