Miserando atque Eligendo

In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

Feeling that the end of my earthly life is approaching, and with a lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only regarding the place of my burial.

I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

I wish that my last earthly journey end in this ancient Marian shrine, to which I came in prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey, to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank her for her docile and maternal care.

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica, as indicated in the attached appendix.

The tomb should be in the ground, simple, without particular decoration, and with the only inscription: Franciscus.

The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum I have provided, which will be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have entrusted the appropriate instructions to Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.

May the Lord grant a well-deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that was present in the last part of my life I offered to the Lord for world peace and fraternity among peoples.

Santa Marta, June 29, 2022

FRANCIS