Instead of in the Vatican: Pope wants his final resting place in the basilica in Rome

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«As I always promised the Virgin: the place is already prepared. I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore,” the head of the Catholic Church said in an interview with Mexican TV channel N+ on Tuesday evening (local time). Other popes have so far been buried in the Vatican caves beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

The pope, who will turn 87 in a few days, emphasized his great devotion to the basilica in the center of the Italian capital. It contains the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, for which he prays before and after foreign travels. “Yes, there is a very strong connection,” says Francis in an interview with N+. He also had the ritual of papal funerals simplified.

Despite his old age and his health problems, which have particularly affected him this year, the Pope is not considering resigning. About the abdication of his German predecessor Benedict XVI. When asked, he said: ‘I saw Benedict’s courage when he realized he could no longer do it and preferred to say ‘enough’. And that is a good example for me. I ask the Lord to say ‘enough’ – at some point, but when He wills.”

Francis said he had a very close relationship with Benedict XVI. «Benedict was a great man. Humble and simple, who, when he realized it, had the courage to say ‘enough’. I admire this man.”

(SDA)

Source: Blick