Skip to content

FULL TEXT: Here is Pope Francis’ testament

The Vatican has released Pope Francis’ testament following his death on Easter Monday, April 21, at age 88 in Casa Santa Marta. He led the Church for just over 12 years.

The Vatican has released the testament of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday morning, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. He led the Catholic Church for just over 12 years. 

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

Here is the full text of Pope Francis’ testament:

Miserando atque Eligendo (“With having mercy and choosing him”)

In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of the Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.

The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.

Santa Marta, 29 June 2022
FRANCIS

This article was originally published by Catholic News Agency.

Live Updates following the Pope’s Passing

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Five facts about Blessed Pius IX: The Pope who died “prisoner” in the Vatican

On February 7, the Church celebrates the memory of Blessed Pius IX, a determined Pope who made important

Pope Leo XIV meets tennis star Sinner at the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV met Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner at the Vatican on Wednesday.

In stepping down, Benedict XVI carved out new role as ‘contemplative’ pope

On Feb. 11, 2013, before a gathering of cardinals who had come to the Vatican expecting to hear

How Pope Leo XIV can influence the Catholic Church’s new social media missionaries

The Vatican welcomes more than a thousand social media influencers to Rome this week for an event intended to shape a new generation of Catholic missionaries — those sharing Christ on the internet.

Why did Pope Francis choose St. Joseph’s Day to begin his pontificate?

Ten years ago, Pope Francis began his pontificate on the Solemnity of St. Joseph. In this note, we

Pope Francis Appoints the New Prelate of the Sovereign Order of Malta

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, of the clergy of the Diocese of Orense, as

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTN.it