Discover the Pope’s Stunning Tomb: Crafted from Marble Hailing from His Italian Heritage – Insights from Vatican News

Pope Francis has a special tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, made from stone sourced from Liguria, Italy, where his grandparents came from. The tomb is simple, marked only by the name “Franciscus” and a replica of his pectoral cross.

Located near the Altar of St. Francis, his resting place holds personal significance. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, co-Archpriest of the Basilica, shared that the Pope expressed a wish to be buried in this stone to honor his roots.

This connection to Liguria runs deep. In a small town called Cogorno, a plaque commemorates his great-grandfather, Vincenzo Sivori, who moved from Italy to Argentina in the 1800s. Vincenzo started a family that would eventually include Pope Francis’ mother, Regina Maria Sivori.

The Mayor of Cogorno, Enrica Sommariva, was surprised when she learned of the Pope’s request for local stone. Angela Sivori, a cousin of Pope Francis, recalls when she discovered their family connection. She received a call from Argentina and was thrilled by the news. Angela described the stone request as a beautiful gesture, calling it “one last surprise.”

In May 2017, Pope Francis met his family in Genoa. Angela’s mother was 87 at the time, and they had no idea they would meet him until days before. When they arrived, the Pope greeted them with warmth, saying, “At last, I meet the Sivoris!”

Franca Garbaino, who leads the Slate District in Liguria, explained that while slate may not be seen as a noble stone, it is fondly referred to as “the people’s stone” because of its warmth and connection to the community. The local quarries will prepare slate slabs to accompany the Pope in his eternal rest.

This rich lineage connects the Pope not just to his family but also to a broader historical tapestry. Over the years, Cogorno has links to Popes like Innocent IV and Adrian V, reflecting the lasting legacy of this region.

As many share their sentiments on social media, the story of Pope Francis and Cogorno highlights the deep ties between heritage and identity—reminding all of the importance of family roots. For example, in recent posts, many have celebrated how the Pope maintained a humble connection to his origins, sparking discussions about family values and the simplicity of life.

In a world where fame often overshadows lineage, Pope Francis’ tomb serves as a touching reminder of his journey from Liguria to the papacy, honoring his ancestors and embracing his heritage until the end.



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Pope Francis, family, Italy, Argentina