Popes are traditionally buried in various significant churches in Rome, with the majority interred beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, particularly in the Vatican grottoes. About 90 popes are buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, including 21 in the Vatican grottoes

. Other notable burial sites for popes in Rome include:

• The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, where 22 popes are buried.
• The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), where seven popes are buried, including Pope Francis, who chose to be buried here rather than in the Vatican, marking the first time in over a century a pope is buried outside the Vatican

• Santa Maria sopra Minerva, with five popes buried there.
• Basilica San Lorenzo fuori le mura (St. Lawrence Outside the Walls), with five popes buried.
• St. Paul Outside the Walls, with three popes buried.
• Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles, with one pope buried

Historically, popes have also been buried outside Rome, including in places like Avignon, France, and other Italian cities

. Pope Francis’ burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a significant departure from recent tradition, as most popes since the 19th century have been buried within Vatican City. His tomb is simple, located in the aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel in the basilica

. In summary, while the Vatican (especially St. Peter’s Basilica) remains the primary burial site for popes, several other major Roman basilicas and some locations outside Rome also serve as papal burial sites. Pope Francis' choice highlights this diversity in papal burial traditions.