Images of Pope Francis's tomb have recently surfaced, showcasing a moving tribute at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome, where he was laid to rest following a private ceremony. A single white rose adorned his stone tomb, which is situated beneath a crucifix softly illuminated by a spotlight. The ceremony took place after his public funeral at the Vatican on Saturday.
Since the church opened to the public Sunday morning, an outpouring of mourners has flocked to pay their respects to the late pope, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Among the visitors was Rosario Correale, who expressed deep emotions at the sight of the tomb, stating, "He really left a mark on us." Maria Brzezinska, a pilgrim from Poland, remarked that the simplicity of the resting place reflected the nature of Pope Francis perfectly.
Santa Maria Maggiore holds special significance for the pope, as it was the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was a place he visited often during his time as cardinal and pope. It was revealed that Pope Francis had made it clear in 2022 that he wished to be interred there.
Amaya Morris, another pilgrim, commented, "Out of all of the churches, he chose this one," emphasizing how remarkable it was to witness such a humbling decision.
The funeral itself saw attendance from global heads of state, government officials, and countless Catholics lining the streets in remembrance. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re gave a homily that captured the essence of Pope Francis's message of peace, urging people to "build bridges, not walls."
Moreover, the funeral also provided a rare setting for a significant meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, with discussions suggesting potential historical impact.
As the coffin was transported through the picturesque streets of Rome, an estimated 140,000 people cheered and expressed their condolences, as the procession passed iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Forum.
Following this period of mourning, the anticipation for selecting the next pope is building, with discussions indicating a conclave may occur as early as May, with 135 cardinals expected to participate, marking a pivotal moment in the Church's leadership.
