The mortal remains of Pope Francis have been transferred from the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. In this article, EWTN Theotokos presents photographs of the event and offers a reflection on Pope Francis’ deep devotion to Mary, the Theotokos—Mary, the Mother of God.
As the Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas and a humble son of the Society of Jesus, many turn to reflect on the profound legacy he leaves behind. Among the most beautiful aspects of his papacy was his unwavering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, honored in her most exalted title: Theotokos — Mother of God.
A Devotion Rooted in Doctrine
From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis made clear that Marian devotion would not be a sentimental afterthought but a vital element of his spiritual vision for the Church. His very first act as pope was to visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome to place his papacy under Our Lady’s protection, praying before the image of Salus Populi Romani — the Protectress of the Roman People. In a final act of profound Marian devotion, Pope Francis chose to be buried in this very basilica, uniting his last earthly resting place with the sanctuary where he began his service as Successor of Peter.
This act was not symbolic alone. Throughout his papacy, Francis returned to Mary again and again — as intercessor, model of faith, and maternal guide. In his 2013 encyclical Lumen Fidei, he wrote, “In Mary’s life, faith has become hope and love. As a figure of the Church, she teaches us how to believe, how to be faithful to the word of the Lord.”
Theotokos: The One Who Brings Us to Jesus
In accord with the great Christological teaching of the Council of Ephesus (AD 431), which declared Mary Theotokos, Pope Francis defended and proclaimed her divine maternity as a safeguard for Christ’s true identity. Speaking in a 2021 Angelus address, he said, “Mary is not only the bridge between us and God; she is the Mother of God — and by being His Mother, she becomes our Mother too” (Vatican News, 1 Jan 2021).
He often warned against Marian devotions that turn Mary into an “end in herself,” saying instead, “True devotion to Mary is always Christocentric: it leads to Jesus” (Catholic News Agency, 26 Oct 2023). This theme echoes the tradition of the Church Fathers, who saw Mary’s fiat as the opening of salvation history — her motherhood being entirely at the service of the Incarnation.
Consecration and Global Entrustment
In moments of great trial, Pope Francis entrusted the world to Mary. Most notably, on March 25, 2022 — the Solemnity of the Annunciation — he consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, invoking Our Lady of Fatima and calling the world to penance and prayer (Vatican.va, 25 Mar 2022).
This act was a renewal of the Church’s confidence in Mary’s maternal mediation and her role as Queen of Peace. As he said that day, “We place our trust in the Mother’s Heart, who never ceases to guide us to her Son.”
The Marian Way: Humility, Tenderness, and Joy
Pope Francis often spoke of Mary not in lofty abstraction, but as a real mother — one who listens, intercedes, and walks with her children. “Mary is the Mother who brings us joy because she brings us Jesus,” he said during a homily on the Assumption (Vatican News, 15 Aug 2022). His Marian theology was simple yet rich: Mary is the quiet yet powerful woman who believed, suffered, and rejoiced entirely in union with Christ.
A Pope in Mary’s Image
With his passing, Pope Francis is remembered not only as a pope of the peripheries, of mercy, and of the poor, but also as a Marian pope — one who lived under the mantle of Theotokos. His papacy was a testimony to her words at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5).
May the Mother of God, to whom he entrusted his ministry, now receive him into the arms of her Son.
Sources:
- Lumen Fidei, Pope Francis, 2013.
- Vatican News (1 Jan 2021, 25 Mar 2022, 15 Aug 2022)
- Catholic News Agency (26 Oct 2023)
- Vatican.va official documents
