Jamayka Rhose Pascual

Pope Francis offered the suffering of his final days for world peace and unity, as revealed in his spiritual testament released by the Vatican.

Photo Coutesy of Vatican News.

The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, leaving a testament that dates back to June 29, 2022, expressing gratitude, faith, and his final wishes.

The Vatican released the full context of the pope’s testament alongside his death certificate, confirming that he died at 7:35 a.m. from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

“As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial,” he started his testament.

The pope wrote his firm hope in eternal life, focusing not on Church governance but on a personal expression of humility and devotion.

Despite enduring years of health complications, he continued his papal duties until the very end.

Just a day before his death, he addressed thousands from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square, marking Easter Sunday with a prayer.

The pope also met with King Charles and United States Vice President JD Vance before his final days, showing his enduring commitment to global dialogue and diplomacy.

In his last will, Pope Francis asked to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a place he visited at the start and end of every apostolic journey.

“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care,” he stated in his testament.

He also requested a simple tomb in the ground, free of ornamentation, marked only with the name “Franciscus.”

“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus,” the pope added. 

He said the burial costs would be covered by a benefactor and entrusted Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas with overseeing the preparations.

In closing his will, the pope offered his final words to those who loved him and continued to pray for him, asking the Lord to reward them.

“May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples,” he expressed.