The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which Pope Francis chose as his final resting place, is a fifth-century church located in the centre of Rome that already holds the tombs of seven popes. The ...

A view inside the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy, where Pope Francis decided he would be buried in a "simple" tomb. Seven other popes are also buried there.

He also asked that his “last earthly journey” end at the “very ancient Marian shrine,” of Santa Maria Maggiore, or St. Mary Major, in Rome.

On Sunday, the Vatican released images showing the tomb of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, also known as Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome. After the cardinals paid their respects ...

Here’s what to know about the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica: 1. The Papal Basilica of St Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) is the oldest and most important Marian sanctuary in Western Christendom 2.

Pope Francis kneels in prayer before the revered Marian icon “Salus Populi Romani” at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on April 12, 2025./ Credit: Holy See Press Office ...

The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which Pope Francis chose as his final resting place, is a fifth-century church located in the centre of Rome that already holds the tombs of seven popes. Francis ...