Pope Francis Becomes First Pope in Over 120 Years to Be Buried Outside St. Peter’s Basilica

On Saturday, Pope Francis made history by being the first Pope in more than a century to be interred outside the traditional resting place of St. Peter’s Basilica. This change has sparked interest among theologians and historians alike, underlining a significant shift in papal burial traditions. Historian Donald Prudlo highlights that throughout the Church’s 266 pontiffs, there have always been varied burial locations — notably over half of the popes are indeed resting within the illustrious confines of St. Peter's. However, Prudlo points out that Pope Francis's decision, while surprising, is not without precedent. Two popes, Pius IX and Leo XIII, also chose alternative resting places during the 19th century, demonstrating that papal burial locations have seen evolution over the years. Historically, popes have been laid to rest in various European locations, from France during the Avignon papacy to cities in Germany and Ukraine, indicating that the choice of burial site has often reflected broader political and spiritual circumstances. Notably, Pope Francis is now the eighth pope to be interred within the walls of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a site that resonates with Marian devotion, a cherished aspect of his papacy. Prudlo emphasizes that this choice enhances Pope Francis’s connection to the Roman populace and their devotion to Mary, particularly the 'Salus Populi Romani' icon, which holds deep significance for both the Pope and the people. This choice also sends a strong message about the flexibility and diversity of the papal burial tradition. It touches on the notion that the authority of the papacy and its connection to the foundational symbols of Christianity, such as St. Peter, need not be physically tied to St. Peter's Basilica alone. As Prudlo remarked, Pope Francis’s burial site is a powerful symbol that reaffirms the Catholic Church’s commitments while fostering a unique relationship with its followers — a possibly lasting legacy of his pontificate. This event not only marks a historical moment but also challenges traditional expectations surrounding the papacy. In summary, Pope Francis's burial outside of St. Peter’s ignites a conversation about legacy, tradition, and the church's evolving relationship with its history and its faithful. This remarkable choice signifies not just a personal preference of Pope Francis but potentially marks a trend in how future popes may view and navigate their final resting places.