[1][2] The basilica is located in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, and holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier.

Pope Pius XII raised this sanctuary to the status of basilica via the Pontifical decree “Priscam Goae” on 20 March 1946.

Francis Xavier died on Sancian Island, Chuandao (川島鎮), Taishan while en route to continental China on 3 December 1552.

[4] The remains of the saint still attract a huge number of tourists (Christian and non-Christian alike) from all over the world, especially during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in December 2024).

The altar table which is used in Holy mass is gilded and adorned with the figures of Christ and his apostles at the Last Supper, along with the words "Hi Mhoji Kudd", which in Konkani means "This is my Body", from the Institution Narrative.

The mausoleum, on the top of which is placed the silver casket with the body of St. Francis Xavier (1696), was the gift of Cosimo III de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

On the upper level, overlooking the tomb is the Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery, containing the works of the Goan surrealist painter, Dom Martin.