Pope Francis' last wish: Burial outside St. Peter's Basilica in simple earth tomb

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

Pope Francis will be buried on Saturday, April 26 at 11 am in St Peter's Square, Basilica rather than St. Peter's Basilica, marking a significant departure from over a century of papal burial tradition.

The decision followed the first General Congregation of Cardinals, held Tuesday morning, and aligns with the late pontiff's final wishes outlined in his Spiritual Testament, which gave indications for Pope Francis' burial.