Images of Pope Francis’ Tomb Released
Photos of Pope Francis’ final resting place at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica have been shared with the public. His tomb, engraved with the name he used during his papacy, lies beneath a crucifix illuminated by a single spotlight, with a lone white rose placed on the stone.
Following his public funeral at the Vatican on Saturday, Pope Francis was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Santa Maria Maggiore — one of Rome’s four major basilicas, which he often visited both as a cardinal and as pope.
By Sunday morning, mourners had lined up outside the church to pay their respects to the beloved pope, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
Among those paying tribute was Italian Rosario Correale, who described the experience as “very emotional,” while Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska said the simplicity of the tomb reflected Pope Francis’ own humble nature.
Pope Francis had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, and Santa Maria Maggiore — built in the 4th century and dedicated to her — held special significance for him. Although popes are traditionally buried within the Vatican, Francis had expressed his wish to be laid to rest here in 2022, inspired by his connection to the Virgin Mary.
Pilgrim Amaya Morris told the Associated Press: “Out of all the churches, he chose this one. It’s really humbling to be here.”
The funeral drew world leaders, monarchs, and hundreds of thousands of Catholics who flooded the streets around the Vatican to say their goodbyes. Hymns echoed across the crowd, occasionally drowned out by helicopters flying overhead. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, delivered the homily, emphasizing Pope Francis’ lifelong message: “build bridges, not walls.”
Following the funeral, Pope Francis’ coffin was slowly carried through Rome in a white popemobile. About 140,000 people lined the streets, clapping and waving as the procession passed landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Altare della Patria monument at Piazza Venezia.
After this period of mourning, preparations will begin for the election of the next pope. Although a date hasn’t been finalized, the conclave is expected to start as early as May 5 or 6, with 135 cardinals set to participate — making it the largest conclave in modern history.
