"Pope's Radical Move: Simplifying Funeral Rites and Seeking Burial Beyond Vatican Walls"

Pope Francis has announced plans to simplify the elaborate funeral rites for a pontiff and become the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. In an interview, he revealed that he has been working with the Vatican's master of ceremonies to streamline the lengthy funeral rituals. The pope, who turns 87, also disclosed his intention to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he frequently prays. Many popes are traditionally buried in the crypts beneath St. Peter's Basilica, but Francis wishes to break from this tradition.