The Significance of Papal Burial Places: A Reflection on Pope Francis’ Choice
Historian Donald Prudlo recently shared his insights on Pope Francis’ decision to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, calling it “surprising… but not novel.” In an interview, Prudlo delved into the historical significance of papal burial places, shedding light on the tradition that has evolved over the centuries.
While St. Peter’s Basilica has been the final resting place for more than half of the popes in history, Prudlo noted that Pope Francis’ choice to be buried outside its precincts is not unprecedented. In fact, Leo XIII, the most recent pope before Francis, was buried in the Cathedral Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, breaking the trend of interment at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Over the years, various popes have been laid to rest in different locations, including Roman churches, Italian cities, France, Germany, and Ukraine. Pope Francis is now the eighth Roman Pontiff to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a historic church known for its special Marian devotion.
Prudlo highlighted the significance of Pope Francis’ choice, emphasizing its symbolic importance in reassociating the Catholic Church with devotion to the Virgin Mary. By opting for a burial near the Salus Populi Romani icon, Pope Francis has shown his closeness to the Roman people and reinforced the idea that papal burials need not be limited to St. Peter’s Basilica.
While some popes have chosen to be buried near the bones of Saint Peter himself as a symbol of unity and perpetuity of the Petrine line, Pope Francis’ decision to be interred in Saint Mary Major carries its own powerful message of devotion and connection to the faithful.
