Pope Francis is being buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome. Specifically, his mortal remains are placed in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (which houses the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel within the basilica. This location was chosen by Pope Francis himself, reflecting his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his wish for a simple, modest tomb without elaborate decoration, bearing only the inscription "Franciscus"

. This burial site marks a break from recent tradition, as most popes in the last century have been buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Pope Francis is the first pope in over 120 years to be interred outside the Vatican precincts, and only the eighth pope to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, the last being Pope Clement IX in 1669

. The basilica is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, located near the Colosseum and the Termini station, and is known for its rich history, beautiful mosaics, and its significance as the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, established in the 4th century

. The burial took place after a public funeral and a procession through Rome, with a private ceremony following the public funeral