Pope Francis (86) wants to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome – and not, like other popes, in the Vatican Grottoes below St. Peter’s Basilica. Santa Maria Maggiore is considered one of the Pope’s favorite churches. After each trip, Francis is supposed to go to the basilica to pray in front of the icon of Mary, Salus populi Romani. According to media reports, the Pope stated in an interview with the Mexican broadcaster N that he had decided to be buried in the basilica. “The place is already prepared.”
Despite some health setbacks this year, Pope Francis has not considered resigning, he said. He said he had confirmed a trip to Belgium next year and was also considering a visit to his native Argentina. But the Pope also said: “It is true that all trips are now being reconsidered.” He added: “If they are close, they can be dealt with. If they are further away, they will be reconsidered. There are limits.”
The head of the church recently suffered from bronchitis, but is now doing well again, said Francis. The Pope, who turns 87 on December 17, had already struggled with health problems this year: in March he was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection; in May he suffered from a fever and had to cancel appointments .
In June, the pontiff had to undergo emergency surgery because of an impending intestinal obstruction and then had to stay in the hospital again for several days. In 2021, the Pope had already undergone surgery due to intestinal inflammation. In addition, Francis, who has been pope since 2013, is also said to have knee problems. In the past, he attended some appointments in a wheelchair.
Francis said in the new interview that he would be prepared to resign if his health deteriorated extremely. “I ask the Lord to say ‘enough’ at some point, but if He wants to,” he said. The “courage” of his predecessor Benedict XVI (1927-2022), who resigned in 2013, he admired, said Francis.
