Pope Francis will be the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

Francis, who will be buried outside the Vatican, will be the first pope in over a century to choose an alternative burial place. This place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This was reported with reference to CNN.

In December 2023, Francis stated that he wanted to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore due to his personal connection with this basilica, which he visits every Sunday to honor the Virgin Mary.

It is worth noting that Santa Maria Maggiore is already the final resting place for seven popes, but Francis will be the first, apart from Leo XIII, to be buried outside St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. He had served as pope since March 13, 2013.

In January, the pontiff fell ill with bronchitis and was hospitalized at the Roman clinic 'Agostino Gemelli'. After various examinations, doctors found bilateral pneumonia. Doctors considered the possibility of discontinuing treatment, but Francis stated that he was not capable of that.

After a 38-day stay in the hospital, Francis appeared publicly only a few times after returning to the Vatican on March 23. He missed the solemnities of Good Friday and Holy Saturday before Easter. However, he appeared before the faithful in St. Peter's Square and blessed them from the balcony of the basilica. Archbishop Ravelli read the pope's Easter message 'To the City and the World'.

The choice of the next pope after Francis will be an important signal for the Catholic community and the world, determining the further development of the church for the coming years.