'As sunset approaches': Pope Francis' final will reveals burial wishes

Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, has left behind a last will and testament detailing his final wishes. The pontiff, who passed away on Monday, used the document to express his desires regarding his burial.

In the will, dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis wrote of his "feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching." He expressed that he had always entrusted his life and ministry to the Virgin Mary and wished for his remains to rest in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, awaiting the resurrection.

This basilica, one of the four Papal Basilicas, had been a place of personal significance for the Pope, where he prayed after each of his more than 100 trips abroad. Pope Francis requested that his tomb be placed in a specific location within the basilica — between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel.

His tomb was to be simple, without decoration, and marked only with the inscription "Franciscus," avoiding any mention of his papacy.

Pope Francis concluded his will with a message of gratitude, asking for prayers for those who had loved him and continued to pray for him. He also offered his suffering in the final stages of his life for world peace and brotherhood among peoples.