When Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, the world reflected on his lifetime of humility, compassion, and quiet strength. But what captured headlines in an unexpectedly moving way was something deeply personal—his handwritten will.
In just a few lines, Pope Francis asked for a simple burial in a quiet corner of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. No grand tomb. No mention of his title. Just his chosen name, Franciscus, on a modest marker.
His message? Legacy doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
At Voorhees Law Group, we believe that estate planning is about much more than legal forms—it’s about honoring who you are, what you value, and how you want to be remembered.
A Will Is More Than Paper—It’s Personal
Pope Francis didn’t use his will to allocate wealth or manage the affairs of the Church. Instead, he made one thing crystal clear: his final resting place should reflect the same simplicity and devotion that defined his life.
That’s the beauty of a well-crafted estate plan—it gives your loved ones clarity and comfort, while making sure your wishes are honored without confusion or conflict.
What You Can Learn from the Pope’s Example
You may not have the Vatican in your estate, but you do have stories, values, and wishes that matter. Maybe it’s who will care for your children. Maybe it’s passing down the family home. Or maybe it’s something as personal as where you’d like to be laid to rest.
Pope Francis’ will reminds us that a simple document can carry a lifetime of meaning. And it doesn’t take wealth or status to create one.
A Will Is Just the Start
While a will is an essential part of your estate plan, it’s not the whole picture. Consider taking these additional steps:
- Create a living trust to protect your assets and avoid probate
- Appoint powers of attorney to make healthcare and financial decisions if you can’t
- Draft a letter of intent to share your personal wishes that fall outside legal documents
- Update your documents after life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child
Pope Francis wrote his will in 2022—well before his passing. That kind of preparation is a gift to those you leave behind.
One Document. Lasting Peace of Mind.
Whether you want to leave a quiet legacy or a public impact, it all starts with putting your wishes in writing. You don’t need to write a novel. You just need to be clear.
Your values matter. Your story matters. Let’s make sure your legacy does too.
Request a free consultation and let’s build an estate plan that reflects who you are—and protects the people you love.