Pope Francis’ Tomb: A Final Connection to His Italian Roots
Did you know that Pope Francis’ final resting place carries a very personal touch from his family’s homeland? It’s true — the marble for his tomb at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome comes straight from Liguria, the same region where his grandparents once lived.
Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful and touching tribute.
A Simple, Powerful Tomb for Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ tomb, resting near the Altar of St. Francis, between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, is built with Ligurian stone — a special request he made himself. It’s a humble design, just as you might expect from him: simply inscribed with “Franciscus” and marked with a replica of his pectoral cross.
Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the co-Archpriest of the Basilica, shared on TV that the Pope had asked for marble from Liguria, the land of his beloved grandparents. It’s a choice that speaks volumes about Francis’ love for his roots.
From a Small Town in Italy to the World Stage
The connection between Pope Francis and Liguria runs deep.
His great-grandfather, Vincenzo Sivori, once lived in the tiny town of Cogorno, where slate quarries are part of everyday life. In the 1800s, Vincenzo made the courageous decision to emigrate to Argentina, eventually leading to the birth of Regina Maria Sivori — Pope Francis’ mother.
Even today, if you visit Cogorno, you’ll find a plaque honoring Vincenzo Sivori. It’s a little piece of history that suddenly feels even more alive, knowing that a piece of that same Ligurian land now cradles Pope Francis forever.
“One Last Surprise” for the Family
The news that the Pope chose Ligurian stone for his tomb came as a huge surprise to his extended family still living in Cogorno.
Angela Sivori, one of Pope Francis’ cousins, shared the emotional story of when she first discovered their family connection. A simple phone call from Buenos Aires and a family tree sent via email changed everything.
Her daughter, Cristina, summed it up beautifully: the Pope’s decision felt like “one last surprise,” a final, precious gift to the family.
A Family Reunion Years in the Making
Back in 2017, Pope Francis met with his relatives during a visit to Genoa.
Cristina remembered it vividly — her mother was 87 years old at the time, and they only found out about the meeting three days in advance.
When they finally met, Pope Francis greeted them not as strangers, but as family. Smiling warmly, he said, “At last, I meet the Sivoris!” It was a deeply emotional moment, one that the family will surely cherish forever.
Why Ligurian Stone Means So Much
The slate from Liguria isn’t fancy or grand. In fact, Franca Garbaino, President of the local Slate District, described it perfectly:
“It’s not a noble stone, but the people’s stone — one that gives warmth.”
This choice fits Pope Francis’ life and values perfectly. Throughout his papacy, he always emphasized simplicity, humility, and the importance of staying close to ordinary people. Even in his final resting place, Pope Francis continues to reflect the spirit he carried during his life.
A Legacy That Echoes Through Time
Interestingly, the town of Cogorno has historic ties to other Popes, including Innocent IV and Adrian V.
So maybe it’s fitting that Pope Francis, a man so connected to his roots and his people, chose to close his earthly journey surrounded by the stone of his ancestors.
In the end, Pope Francis’ tomb is more than just marble and inscriptions — it’s a love letter to his heritage, his family, and the humble spirit he shared with the world.
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