Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, marking the first time in the last century that a Pontiff has been buried outside the Vatican

The decision to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was taken by Pope Francis more than a year ago, thanks to his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his historic connection with the church. This is the place where Ignatius of Loyola celebrated his first Mass. The pope died after a prolonged hospitalization with severe health problems, but managed to show up for the Easter blessing despite his frail condition.