Pope Francis Plans to Be Buried Outside Vatican, Simplify Funeral Rites

Despite Health Challenges, Pope Plans Future Trips and Breaks with Tradition for His Burial

Pope Francis, who turns 87 on Sunday, has revealed that he has prepared his own tomb and wants to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, not in the Vatican like other popes.
The Pope has also indicated that he wants to simplify his funeral ceremony, breaking with the tradition of elaborate rites.
Despite a series of health scares this year, the Pope said he has not considered resigning and is planning trips to Belgium, Polynesia, and his native Argentina next year.
The Pope's decision to be buried outside the Vatican would make him the first pontiff to do so in more than a century.
Francis has long emphasized his role as bishop of Rome and has a particular devotion to an icon of the Virgin Mary on display in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.