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Santa Maria Maggiore

The Salus Populi Romani icon is displayed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Who Are the Many Popes Not Buried in the Vatican?

Apr 23, 2025

Various factors are at play when it comes to the decision of a burial place for a pope. Pope Francis has chosen the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.

Pope Francis kneels in prayer before the revered Marian icon "Salus Populi Romani" at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, April 12, 2025. / Holy See Press Office

Pope Francis Makes Prayerful Pilgrimage to Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome ahead of Holy Week

Apr 12, 2025

The pontiff's participation in upcoming Easter ceremonies remains uncertain as he gradually returns to public activities.

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First Known Nativity Scene Figurines are on Display in Rome

Dec 27, 2022

The first known Nativity scene figurines are currently on display in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas.

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Prelates watch as Vatican officials prepare Pope Francis’ tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Beloved Marian Basilica after Coffin Crosses Rome in Popemobile

An African Pope “should be possible”: Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, Weighs In On “proportional representation” in Curia

Pope Francis “wanted to learn Swahili”: Kenyan Nun Reminisces Light Moments with Late Pontiff before First African Trip

Pope Francis greets visitors at his general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis, “a Father who taught us to fast from sin”: Catholics in Nigeria Mourn the Late Pontiff

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a one-on-one meeting at the Vatican prior to Pope Francis’ funeral, Saturday, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Office of the President of Ukraine via Getty Images

U.S. President Trump, Counterpart Ukraine's Zelenskyy Discuss Hopes for "lasting peace" amid Pope Francis' Funeral

Pallbearers process with the coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral at St. Peter’s Square, Saturday, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis is Laid to Rest in Rome: Photos

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Awe-inspiring Backgrounds: Meet the 19 Africa’s Cardinals Pope Francis Created in His 12-Year Pontificate

The casket of Pope Francis rests sealed in St. Peter's Basilica prior to the Holy Father's funeral, Friday, April 25, 2025, / Credit: Vatican Media

What to Know About Pope Francis’ Saturday Morning Funeral

Prelates watch as Vatican officials prepare Pope Francis’ tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Beloved Marian Basilica after Coffin Crosses Rome in Popemobile

Pope Francis “wanted to learn Swahili”: Kenyan Nun Reminisces Light Moments with Late Pontiff before First African Trip

Pope Francis Leaves Behind “an enormous void”: Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya at Requiem Mass

Pallbearers process with the coffin of Pope Francis during his funeral at St. Peter’s Square, Saturday, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis is Laid to Rest in Rome: Photos

An African Pope “should be possible”: Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, Weighs In On “proportional representation” in Curia

Pallbearers carry the wooden coffin of Pope Francis, marked with a cross, into St. Peter's Square for the funeral Mass on April 26, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Pope Francis’ Funeral: A Global Farewell to a Humble Shepherd

Pope Francis greets visitors at his general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis, “a Father who taught us to fast from sin”: Catholics in Nigeria Mourn the Late Pontiff

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a one-on-one meeting at the Vatican prior to Pope Francis’ funeral, Saturday, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Office of the President of Ukraine via Getty Images

U.S. President Trump, Counterpart Ukraine's Zelenskyy Discuss Hopes for "lasting peace" amid Pope Francis' Funeral

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