Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, fulfilling a wish he expressed shortly after becoming pope in 2013.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis served as the 266th head of the Catholic Church from 2013 to 2025. Known for his humility and focus on social justice, his death came less than two months after a lengthy hospitalization for double pneumonia. His burial at Santa Maria Maggiore reflects a deeply personal connection to the basilica, where he often prayed before major trips and milestones.
Preparations for his funeral began Tuesday, with about 60 cardinals meeting for a prayer and the reading of his will. Vatican officials say Pope Francis left detailed instructions for his funeral and final resting place, which are now being carried out. The Church is now entering a period of mourning, with ceremonies and tributes expected throughout the week.
