Saint John of God died at Granada (Spain) on 8 March 1550. His body was placed in the crypt of the Church of Santa Maria de la Victoria which belonged to the Order of Saint Francis di Paola (Minim Friars). After much trouble, the Hospitaller Brothers were able to have the remains of their Founder transferred and laid to rest in the church of their hospital at Granada. This transfer of the Saint’s relics occurred amidst great solemnity on 28 November 1664. The Prior General, Br. Alonso Pardo Ortega de Jesus had a beautiful church built and dedicated to Saint John of God. The Saint’s relics were then placed above the high altar in the room known as the ‘Camarín’. Pope Benedict XV elevated the church of Saint John of God to the title of Basilica on 20 December 1916.