When Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, he left behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and global leadership. But the detail that stood out to many wasn’t just his life—it was his simple, handwritten will.
In that one page, he asked to be buried in a quiet corner of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. No grand monument, no mention of his role as Pope—just a humble marker with the name Franciscus. That’s it.
At Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, we love this story. Why? Because it proves that estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or those with complicated financial portfolios. It’s for anyone who wants their wishes honored and their legacy protected.
A Will Is More Than Just Paperwork—It’s Personal
Pope Francis didn’t use his will to divide assets or assert control. He used it to make one clear request—where and how he wanted to be laid to rest. That simple instruction reflected decades of faith and meaning.
And that’s the core of a good estate plan. It’s not about fancy legalese—it’s about clarity, peace of mind, and making sure what matters to you doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
What We Can All Learn from the Pope’s Example
Okay, most of us aren’t going to be buried in a basilica. But every single one of us has something meaningful to pass on. Maybe it’s a family home. Maybe it’s making sure your kids are cared for in the way only you would. Maybe it’s the quiet peace of knowing your burial reflects your beliefs and values.
Pope Francis showed us that even the simplest will can carry powerful weight. The point is: don’t leave it up to chance.
But Don’t Stop at a Will—Cover All Your Bases
A will is a great start—but it’s just that: a start. Here are a few other tools you might want in your estate plan:
- A Living Trust to keep your estate out of probate (because court is no one’s favorite place)
- Powers of Attorney for health and finances to make sure someone you trust can step in if needed
- A Letter of Intent to share your personal values and wishes that aren’t covered in legal documents
- Regular Updates to keep your documents current as life changes
By the way—Pope Francis wrote his will in 2022. That kind of early, thoughtful preparation? We’re here for it.
One Simple Document. One Lasting Impact.
Whether your final wishes are about a modest resting place or creating a lasting charitable legacy, what matters is that your plan is yours. Pope Francis didn’t need a stack of legal documents to get his point across—just one well-written page that reflected who he was.
You can do the same. And we’re here to help. Want to make sure your legacy is protected—your way?
Request a Consultation with Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, and let’s create a plan that gives your family clarity and gives you peace of mind.
