In a recent interview broadcast on Wednesday, Pope Francis disclosed his decision to be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica alongside his predecessors but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

The pontiff, who turns 87 this weekend, expressed a “special connection” with the basilica, which is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome.

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Francis mentioned that the burial place in Santa Maria Maggiore is already prepared, marking a significant departure from the tradition of popes being interred in St. Peter’s.

Santa Maria Maggiore holds historical significance, and the pope’s choice makes him the first pontiff in over a century to opt for a burial site outside the Vatican.

The last pope to choose such a resting place was Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and was laid to rest in the Basilica of St. John the Lateran in Rome.

Having a personal connection with Santa Maria Maggiore, Pope Francis has often visited the basilica, especially on Sundays, before and after becoming the pope.

He has also chosen the basilica for prayer both before and after his official trips and following medical procedures.

Seven popes have been previously buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, according to the Vatican News official media outlet.

In the same interview, Pope Francis revealed plans to visit Belgium in 2024 and expressed hopes of visiting his native Argentina and Polynesia.

This decision by Pope Francis comes as he faces increasing health concerns, having recently canceled a visit to the COP28 climate talks in Dubai due to bronchitis.

Despite his health challenges, he paid tribute to his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who courageously stepped down in 2013 due to failing health.

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Pope Benedict’s funeral took place in St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body was buried in the tomb beneath the church.

Pope Francis expressed openness to following Benedict’s example if he could no longer perform his duties but emphasized that stepping down should not become a “normal thing” for popes.