Why Did Pope Francis Choose St. Mary Major Basilica as His Burial Place? (Trending with Timmerie)

While the Church looks toward Rome with all the buzz around the next conclave, Timmerie explains why Pope Francis picked St. Mary Major in Rome as his final resting place.   🕊️ A Pope’s Final Wish: Resting Beside Mary   Before his passing, Pope Francis made a heartfelt (and very Francis-style) declaration:   He wants to be buried next to the icon of Our Lady, Salus Populi Romani: “Protectress of the Roman People” in St. Mary Major Basilica.   He said it beautifully and humbly:   "Feeling the sunset of my earthly life is approaching... I have always entrusted my life and priestly ministry to the Mother of Our Lord... I wish that my final earthly journey concludes in this ancient Marian sanctuary."   ❤️ That’s right... for decades, the Pope turned to Our Lady before and after every apostolic journey. He would literally go straight to her with his joys, burdens, decisions, and thanks.     🎨 So... What’s So Special About This Icon?   🖌️ The icon is traditionally attributed to St. Luke himself: yep, that St. Luke.   📜 He likely painted it from firsthand knowledge, based on what he learned directly from Mary. Think: the Annunciation, the Nativity... all those uniquely Marian moments in Luke’s Gospel.   🏛️ This icon is a giant 5-foot tall, 3+ foot wide image of Mary and Jesus, and it looks different from most:   -The Christ child is looking at Mary, not us.   -Mary, however, is looking out at us, as if to say:"I’ve got you. Come to me."     ✝️ Miracles, Plagues, and the Eternal City   This icon is battle-tested:   -It was carried in processions during plagues in the 6th and 14th centuries; both times, after being brought through Rome... the plagues stopped.    -Even Pope Gregory the Great rowed out personally to welcome it when it arrived in Rome in 590 A.D.   -Since then, it’s been enshrined in St. Mary Major, one of the oldest Marian churches in the world.     Why This Spot Mattered to Francis   For Pope Francis, this was deeply personal:   - He had visited the icon before and after nearly every trip during his papacy.   -He had been seen there praying alone, especially during tough decisions.   -To had chosen this spot for burial is a way of saying:     “I want to be laid to rest right where I spent my life placing my trust, at the feet of the Mother of God.”       Go to Mama Mary   Timmerie wraps it all up with a gentle but powerful nudge:   -At the Cross, Jesus gave us his mother.   -Pope Francis reminded us: 💬 “Turn to Mary. Trust her.      🙏 So... Wanna Pray Like a Pope?   🕯️ Next time you’re facing something big (or even just another tough Tuesday), try what Pope Francis did: Go to Mary. Talk to her. Trust her.   She’s not just the Queen of Heaven... 👑 She’s your spiritual Mom. 💙     The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.