The mysterious donor who paid for Pope Francis' funeral
An anonymous benefactor has fully covered the cost of the Pope's burial, as Francis had stipulated in his will.
BarcelonaIt is not the Catholic Church or the Vatican that paid for Pope Francis's funeral, but rather an anonymous benefactor. The funds for my burial will be covered by the amount provided by the benefactor. I have provided the relevant instructions to Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter," the Pope stated in his will. The donation has already been made. Payment was made directly at the Basilica of St. Mary Major and under the supervision of Archbishop Makrickas.
The Pope left details of his funeral in his willA funeral with a clear intention of being a more humble ceremony than those of his predecessors. The Pope specified that his tomb should be "on the ground, simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus." He also asked to renounce the tradition of the three traditional coffins (cypress, lead, and oak) and opt for a single wooden coffin with a zinc interior.
Even the titles used during the ceremony should reflect his humility: he wants to be remembered as "Bishop of Rome" and "Pastor," avoiding the title of "Roman Pontiff." He also left written that he did not want to be buried in St. Peter's Basilica, the usual place for popes, but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, due to his deep devotion to the Virgin.
"I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest while we await Holy Day," Francis wrote.
How much will Pope Francis' funeral cost?
Although no specific figures have been released regarding the cost of Pope Francis's funeral, everything suggests it will be much more modest than that of John Paul II in 2005. According to the Vatican's official account, John Paul II's funeral and the conclave to elect his successor, Benedict XVI, cost around 7 million euros. This figure included expenses associated with the religious ceremonies, logistics, and the extensive security presence deployed during those days.