Pope Francis requests 'simple' funeral - as Pontiff's final testament released in full
The Vatican has released the final testament of Pope Francis following his death, aged 88.
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Released late on Monday, the Pope's final testament sees him "entrust himself" to "the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary".
He was also seen to request a "simple" funeral outside the walls of The Vatican in a stark break from tradition.
It follows news that the Pontiff passed away after suffering a cerebral stroke, which led to a subsequent coma and ultimately and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said on Monday.
The Vatican released the Pontiff's death certificate alongside publishing his final testament as mourners gathered in St. Peter's Square to mourn the late leader.
Read Pope Francis' final testament below.
"As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.
"I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
"The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
"May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me.
"The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples."