Images of Pope Francis's tomb have been unveiled at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome, highlighting a poignant moment for the faithful. This simple yet profound resting place features a solitary white rose atop the stone monument, which bears the name he held during his papacy, illuminated by a gentle spotlight under a crucifix.
Following his public funeral on Saturday, Pope Francis was quietly interred at this significant basilica—one that he frequented during his earlier days as cardinal. The ceremony was private, yet it has since opened its doors to the thousands seeking to honor the legacy of the pope, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday.
Among the visitors paying tribute was Rosario Correale, who shared his emotional connection to the moment, stating, "He really left a mark on us." Another pilgrim, Maria Brzezinska, expressed her belief that the simplicity of the tomb suited the pope perfectly, reflecting his humble character.
Notably, Santa Maria Maggiore holds a special significance for Francis—historically the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a figure to whom he held great devotion. In fact, the basilica’s senior priest revealed that the pope had expressed his wish to be buried here as early as 2022, inspired by Mary's legacy.
The funeral itself saw a global representation of leaders and dignitaries, including heads of state and thousands of attendees who gathered in mourning support. Hymns filled the air, often punctuated by the sound of helicopters above, while Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re emphasized Pope Francis's mission of unity, reminding attendees of his enduring message to “build bridges, not walls.”
As mourners formed long lines outside the church on Sunday, authorities reported that approximately 140,000 people celebrated his life in the streets of Rome during the procession. The slow journey of the repurposed white popemobile passed landmarks like the Colosseum and the Tiber River, adding to the symbolic farewell.
In the wake of this loss, the focus will soon shift to the selection of the new pope, with speculation suggesting that the conclave could commence as early as May 5th or 6th. With 135 cardinal voters expected, this could result in the largest papal conclave in modern history, ushering in a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
Following his public funeral on Saturday, Pope Francis was quietly interred at this significant basilica—one that he frequented during his earlier days as cardinal. The ceremony was private, yet it has since opened its doors to the thousands seeking to honor the legacy of the pope, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday.
Among the visitors paying tribute was Rosario Correale, who shared his emotional connection to the moment, stating, "He really left a mark on us." Another pilgrim, Maria Brzezinska, expressed her belief that the simplicity of the tomb suited the pope perfectly, reflecting his humble character.
Notably, Santa Maria Maggiore holds a special significance for Francis—historically the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a figure to whom he held great devotion. In fact, the basilica’s senior priest revealed that the pope had expressed his wish to be buried here as early as 2022, inspired by Mary's legacy.
The funeral itself saw a global representation of leaders and dignitaries, including heads of state and thousands of attendees who gathered in mourning support. Hymns filled the air, often punctuated by the sound of helicopters above, while Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re emphasized Pope Francis's mission of unity, reminding attendees of his enduring message to “build bridges, not walls.”
As mourners formed long lines outside the church on Sunday, authorities reported that approximately 140,000 people celebrated his life in the streets of Rome during the procession. The slow journey of the repurposed white popemobile passed landmarks like the Colosseum and the Tiber River, adding to the symbolic farewell.
In the wake of this loss, the focus will soon shift to the selection of the new pope, with speculation suggesting that the conclave could commence as early as May 5th or 6th. With 135 cardinal voters expected, this could result in the largest papal conclave in modern history, ushering in a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
