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Pope Francis broke centuries of tradition by choosing Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place instead of the Vatican crypts where nearly every pope since the 1600s was buried. This bold move reflects his personal connection to the basilica’s ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, which he prayed before during pivotal moments of his papacy. Critics argue this departure from protocol undermines the sacred continuity of papal history.
The basilica holds deep family significance, tied to his Italian grandparents who fled fascism for Argentina. His humble roots shaped his worldview, with supporters praising his “man of the people” approach. Yet traditionalists question whether personal sentiment should override the Church’s time-honored burial rites, seeing this as another example of Francis challenging institutional norms.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan called Francis “the father of our family,” highlighting his pastoral warmth and global outreach. While conservatives credit Francis for defending traditional marriage and opposing abortion, many remain uneasy about his progressive stances on climate change and immigration. His push for simplicity – rejecting ornate funeral customs – sparks debate about respecting office vs. indulging personal preferences.
The burial site’s connection to his family’s immigrant story reinforces Francis’ focus on the marginalized. But some warn against romanticizing immigration amid today’s border crises, arguing the Church should prioritize national sovereignty and cultural preservation. As Rome prepares funeral rites, the world remembers a pope who stirred admiration and controversy in equal measure – a reformer who leaves a fractured legacy of unity and dissent.
