In an interview with Mexican television N+, Pope Francis revealed that he will not be buried inside the Vatican, but that he asked to be buried in the royal church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which is located near Rome’s main railway station Termini. In this church is the Byzantine icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani, “for the salvation of the Roman people”, in front of which the Pope kneels and prays when he returns from every trip.
“I want to be buried in this church because of my great faith,” said Francis. “Travel needs to be reviewed, but as you get older you mature, it’s nice. Sometimes I am told that I am not aware of the situation because I want to move, to do things. I think it’s a good thing,” he added.
Referring to his eventual resignation and to the letter of resignation which he has signed and delivered to the former Prime Minister of the Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone – if it ever needs to be used – Francis added: “I haven’t thought about it yet. I saw Benedict’s courage, when he realized that he could not cope, he preferred to say “enough” and this for me works positively, as an example. I ask the Lord to say “no”, at some point, but when He wishes”.
In relation, moreover, to the new Argentine president Javier Millay, his compatriot and holy father of Catholics stated: “We have to distinguish between what a politician says during the election period and what he will actually do afterwards. Because then comes the moment of decisions and concrete action.”
Pope Francis confirmed, finally, that after the death of Pope Benedict, his internal enemies became tougher and revealed that “his relationship with Benedict was particularly close and he often sought his opinion and advice.”
