Pope Francis has been laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome following a grand funeral. Thousands of mourners have since visited the site to pay their respects, which resonates deeply with his legacy of simplicity and devotion.
Images of Pope Francis's Final Resting Place Unveiled
Images of Pope Francis's Final Resting Place Unveiled
Newly released photographs showcase Pope Francis's tomb, capturing the emotions surrounding his burial site.
Images of Pope Francis’s final resting place at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have been made public, revealing a serene tomb adorned with a single white rose. This tomb, marked with the name he held during his pontificate, sits beneath a softly lit crucifix, embodying the humility of the late pope.
Following his public funeral on Saturday, which drew notable figures and countless Catholics paying tribute on the streets, Pope Francis was interred in a private ceremony at one of Rome's four major basilicas—the Santa Maria Maggiore. This sacred space was significant for him, as it was a church he frequented throughout his time as cardinal and pontiff.
On Sunday morning, the church opened its doors to the public, allowing thousands, like Rosario Correale and Maria Brzezinska, to pay their respects. Many expressed emotional connections, reflecting on Francis's profound impact on their lives. Polish pilgrim Brzezinska remarked how the simplicity of the tomb matched the essence of the late pope.
Santa Maria Maggiore holds historical importance, being the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Pope Francis had previously expressed his wish to be buried there in 2022, citing the inspiration he drew from the Virgin Mary.
His funeral service was attended by dignitaries worldwide, and Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a compelling homily emphasizing Pope Francis’s message to "build bridges, not walls." The ceremony became a notable gathering of international leaders, including a significant encounter between former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
After his funeral, a slow procession carried Pope Francis’s coffin through Rome, witnessing approximately 140,000 mourners lining the streets. As the beloved pontiff is honored, attention will soon shift toward the election of his successor, with a conclave anticipated to commence as early as early May, setting the stage for a momentous chapter in the Catholic Church’s future.
