“The place is already ready. I would like to be buried in Santa María Mayor,” he admitted in an interview with Mexican television N+, released today.
Jorge Bergoglio, who went there regularly before his election in 2013, said he felt a “very strong connection” to this cathedral, located in the center of the Italian capital, where seven popes already rest, according to Vatican News.
The Bishop of Rome is in the habit of praying there before and after every trip abroad, having also gone there in June, when he left hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery.
Francis also revealed that he had prepared his own burial, simplifying the long funeral rituals of popes.
In the same interview, he praised his predecessor, Benedict XVI, for his “courage” in resigning from his position.
In 2013, the German theologian became the first pope to resign since the Middle Ages. He died on December 31, 2022 and was buried in St. Peter’s Basilica as John Paul II.
Francisco, who says he is “in good health”, has always stated that he would be willing to resign from his position if he was no longer able to carry out his duties, although he defends that this “should not become a fashion”.
The head of the Catholic Church also announced that he will visit Belgium in 2024, without specifying the date, and confirmed that trips to Argentina and Polynesia are still under consideration.
The Pope made five trips abroad in 2023, but he was forced to cancel his trip to Dubai to attend the COP28 climate conference at the beginning of the month, due to bronchitis.
“Hardcore alcohol maven. Hipster-friendly analyst. Introvert. Devoted social media advocate.”
