POPE FRANCIS RIP 1936 -2025
1. Pope Clement I (died c. 99 AD)
Where buried: Originally buried in Crimea!
He was supposedly martyred by being tied to an anchor and thrown into sea. Early Christians recovered his body and buried it there. His relics were later moved to Rome centuries later.
2. Pope Gregory V (died 999)
Where buried: St. Peter’s Basilica, but originally, he was temporarily buried elsewhere because of political chaos in Rome. His remains were later moved when stability returned.
3. Pope Sylvester II (died 1003)
Where buried: Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, not St. Peter’s.
He was a brilliant scholar and wanted to be buried at the official Cathedral of the Pope — St. John Lateran — rather than St. Peter’s.
4. Pope Clement II (died 1047)
Where buried: Bamberg Cathedral, Germany!
He was the only Pope ever buried north of the Alps. He died while traveling in Germany and was buried there according to his wish. His tomb is still in Bamberg today.
5. Pope Pius VII (died 1823)
Where buried:
Initially buried in the Vatican, but he spent many years imprisoned by Napoleon in France, and there were fears he might die and be buried in exile — which would have been extremely controversial. (He made it back in time.)
6. Pope John Paul I (died 1978)
Where buried:
Buried deep underground in a very simple tomb in the Vatican Grottoes, as he requested. His reign was so short (only 33 days!) that his wishes for a very humble funeral were honored, in contrast to the usual grandeur.
