Pope Francis bequeathed to be buried in the Roman basilica

Pope Francis bequeathed to be buried in the Roman Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on the Esquiline Hill. This is evidenced on April 21 by the testament of the pontiff, published on the website of the Vatican government.

"I ask that my mortal remains rest in anticipation of the Day of Resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore," the publication says.

According to the will, the grave should be prepared in the locule of the side passage between the chapels (chapels) Paolina and Sforza. The Pope expressed his desire for the tomb to be simple, without much decoration and with a single inscription — Francis.

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Pope Francis died on the morning of April 21 at the age of 89. It is noted that the pontiff died at his residence in the Vatican house of Santa Marta. Professor Andrea Archangeli, director of the Vatican's Office of Health and Hygiene, said the death was caused by a cerebral stroke. He clarified that the pontiff fell into a coma, after which an irreversible cardiovascular collapse occurred.

On the occasion of his death, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of condolences. The Pontiff played an important role in the development of contacts between the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and the Catholic Church, the head of state emphasized.

The last time Francis appeared in public was on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica during Easter celebrations the day before. The pontiff has been struggling with bilateral pneumonia for a long time.