Popes are traditionally buried within Vatican City, specifically beneath St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Grottoes, which contain the tombs of about 149 popes and are considered the primary papal necropolis
. This tradition has been followed for over a century, with popes such as Benedict XVI and John Paul II interred there
. However, Pope Francis broke with this long-standing tradition. He requested to be buried outside the Vatican, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) in Rome, a church to which he had a strong personal devotion. This basilica is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and is known for its historical and religious significance, including the venerated icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, which Pope Francis frequently visited
. Francis's burial site is a simple tomb located in the aisle of the basilica, between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel. His tombstone is made of white Ligurian marble with his papal name "Franciscus" and a silver reproduction of his pectoral cross, reflecting his wish for simplicity
. While unusual in recent times, burial outside St. Peter's Basilica is not entirely unprecedented. Some popes in history were buried in other Roman churches or even in different countries, especially during periods like the Avignon Papacy. In the last 200 years, a few popes, such as Leo XIII and Pius IX, were buried outside the Vatican in other Roman churches
. In summary, most popes are buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, but Pope Francis chose to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, marking a significant departure from recent papal burial customs
