Pope Francis has announced his wish to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, citing his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In a recent interview on the Mexican television program "N+," the pontiff revealed that he has already made plans for his funeral and burial, collaborating with Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Vatican's master of ceremonies, to simplify the Church's papal funeral rites.

At 87 years old, Pope Francis stated that preparations have been made for his burial in one of the oldest and most significant Marian shrines in the Western world. "I want to be buried in St. Mary Major because of my great devotion," he asserted. This decision would make Pope Francis the first pope in over a century not to be buried in the Vatican's grotto crypt in St. Peter's Basilica. The last pope laid to rest at St. Mary Major was Clement IX, who passed away in 1669, joining the ranks of six other popes interred in the basilica.

Pope Francis has a strong connection to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, having visited the Marian shrine over 100 times since assuming the papacy. He is known to venerate the icon of "Salus Populi Romani" (Mary, Protection of the Roman People) before and after each international trip. Just recently, on December 8, Pope Francis placed a Golden Rose before the sacred icon. Notably, even before becoming pope, he would regularly visit the basilica on Sundays while in Rome.

The interview, which took place on December 12, was Pope Francis' first since experiencing acute bronchitis and subsequently reducing his schedule. During the conversation, he acknowledged that certain limitations now impede his ability to travel, prompting a need to reconsider his international trips. However, he confirmed his plans to visit Belgium in 2024 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the country's main Catholic universities. The pontiff also mentioned pending visits to destinations in Polynesia and his home country of Argentina.

When asked about the possibility of resigning, Pope Francis disclosed that he had never considered it like his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Nevertheless, he expressed openness to the prospect, stating, "I ask the Lord to say enough at some point, but when he wants me to." When questioned if he has become stricter since Benedict XVI's passing, Pope Francis responded with a negative remark but acknowledged the occasional necessity of reprimanding others, likening it to a father's role. "Sometimes a reprimand is necessary... I am complicated and sometimes a little impatient, but they put up with me," he added.

Pope Francis continues to leave a mark on the papacy through his unwavering devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire to be laid to rest in the renowned Basilica of St. Mary Major, further cementing his profound connection to the Marian shrine.