Two years ago, Pope Francis revealed that he already had a place prepared where he wishes to be buried upon his death: in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, outside the Vatican. According to his own words, this decision is due to a special connection with the Virgin Mary. In 2023, the pontiff mentioned that the resignation of Pope Benedict opened the possibility for his successors to consider that same path.
Pope Francis has faced health issues that have led him to the hospital on several occasions, prompting him to contemplate the possibility of resigning in the future. In an interview in 2023, he mentioned that he had already prepared the funeral rites for the Pope and that the decision to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore is motivated by his deep devotion to the Marian basilica.
Currently, Pope Francis is hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to a polymicrobial respiratory infection caused by bronchitis. Although his health has shown slight improvement, his situation remains a concern for Catholic faithful. The Press Office of the Holy See reported on February 20 about the improvement in the clinical conditions of the Holy Father.
