Pope Francis’ final wish — a farewell from the people’s pope

Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on April 21, made one final, deeply personal request: he asked not to be buried in the Vatican, and that his tomb bear no title—just the name “Franciscus.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was more than just the head of the Catholic Church. For millions, he was a moral compass in an uncertain world. Known for his humility, progressive values, and heartfelt advocacy for the poor and the planet, Francis became a symbol of change and compassion within one of the world’s oldest institutions.

His final wish, revealed shortly after his passing, was a striking reflection of the same humility that marked his entire life and papacy.

“The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus,” he wrote in his will.

Rather than being buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where most popes lie, Francis asked to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore—a Marian church dear to him, where he often prayed before and after every trip. This final act of simplicity echoed the values he preached from day one.

A pope who walked with the people

Francis broke tradition from the moment he became pope in 2013. As the first Latin American pontiff and the first Jesuit to assume the role, he refused the luxurious papal apartment and instead lived in a modest guesthouse. He carried his own bags, made personal phone calls to the faithful, and often stepped out to mingle with crowds.

He was also a “foodie,” as his longtime chef Sergio Dussin described—known for enjoying simple meals like bread, pasta, and pizza, often stopping mid-ceremony to hug a child or greet staff. These small actions built a legacy of closeness that endeared him to many.

“He’s unpredictable… That’s just how he is,” Dussin said in 2022. “He stops to give hugs or hold a child—he always puts people first.”

Champion of justice, not without controversy

Francis’ papacy was marked by a bold vision for the Church. He spoke out on issues often avoided by previous popes: poverty, migration, environmental destruction, and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2015, he called for urgent climate action in his encyclical Laudato Si’, stating, “The Creator does not abandon us… Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.”

But not everyone agreed with his approach. Some conservative factions within the Church criticized his modern views, and his initial mishandling of abuse allegations in Chile sparked backlash—though he later issued a public apology, calling his response a “grave error.”

Still, his willingness to admit mistakes, listen, and grow won him praise from many around the world.

Health struggles and an unwavering spirit

Despite battling serious health issues—including a lung infection, intestinal surgeries, and mobility problems—Francis refused to resign. Unlike Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down due to health concerns, Francis stayed committed to his duties.

“I have never thought of resigning,” he said in a 2024 interview. “Thanks be to God, I enjoy good health, and… there are many projects to bring to fruition.”

Just one week before his passing, he was released from a 38-day hospital stay. On Easter Sunday, he greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square. By Monday morning, he had died from a stroke that led to irreversible cardiac failure, the Vatican confirmed.

His final message—peace, humility, and service

In his will, Pope Francis made it clear: his final resting place should reflect the life he lived—one of simplicity, faith, and devotion to others. No ornate tomb. No grand monument. Just “Franciscus.”

“The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples,” he wrote.

He also made financial arrangements to ensure no burden would fall on the Church for his burial, and gave thanks to those who loved and prayed for him.

In a world of grand titles and powerful institutions, Pope Francis chose humility—even in death. His decision to be buried simply, away from the Vatican’s grandeur, reinforces a legacy of putting people before power, and values before tradition.

It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of who he was at his core—a pope for the people.

Rest in peace, Franciscus.