Pope Francis Laid to Rest: Images and Tributes Emerge from Santa Maria Maggiore

Following a heartfelt public funeral, Pope Francis has been laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore, where thousands have come to honor his legacy. The simplicity of his tomb, marked by a single white rose, reflects his profound connection to the Virgin Mary, while the world prepares for the next papal conclave.

Images of Pope Francis's tomb at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have been recently unveiled to the public. A single white rose rests on the stone tomb, which bears his name beneath a solitary crucifix illuminated by a gentle spotlight. The beloved pontiff was interred in this sacred space following a private ceremony that followed his public funeral on Saturday at the Vatican.

Since the doors of the basilica opened to mourners on Sunday morning, thousands of people have flocked to the church to pay their final respects to the 88-year-old pope, who passed away on Monday. Among those visiting the tomb was Rosario Correale, an Italian mourner who expressed, "He really left a mark on us," in a conversation with the Associated Press.

Visitor Maria Brzezinska, a Polish pilgrim, remarked that the site of the pope's resting place was fitting: "I feel like it's exactly in the way of the Pope. He was simple, and so is his place now." The basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has a special significance for Pope Francis, who had frequently visited it during his time as cardinal and had expressed a desire to be buried there in 2022.

Amaya Morris, another pilgrim, reflected on the importance of the choice: "Out of all of the [churches], he chose this one. So I thought that was really amazing. It's really humbling to be able to be here." This personal connection echoes the late pope's devotion to the Virgin Mary and reinforces the significance of the site.

Pope Francis's funeral drew leaders from around the globe, including heads of state and monarchs, as well as countless Catholics who lined the streets to honor him. The ceremony was marked by stirring hymns and public tributes, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re emphasizing the late pope’s legacy of peace and unity.

A slow procession through the streets of Rome followed the public funeral, where authorities noted that approximately 140,000 lined the route to bid farewell. The hearse—modified from a white popemobile—traversed iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Forum, creating a poignant farewell.

With a period of mourning set to conclude soon, discussions about the next papal conclave have gained momentum. While no official date has been announced yet, it is speculated that the conclave will commence as early as May 5 or 6, involving 135 cardinals—the largest gathering of its kind in modern history.