As mourners gather to pay their respects at the basilica, reflections on Francis’s legacy and choice of burial site are shared, highlighting his deep connection to the Virgin Mary and the church’s historical significance.
Pope Francis Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore: Images from His Tomb Unveiled
Pope Francis Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore: Images from His Tomb Unveiled
Images of Pope Francis's tomb showcase a serene setting at the Santa Maria Maggiore church, where he was laid to rest following his public funeral.
Images of the late Pope Francis's tomb have been released, revealing a poignant scene at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome. A single white rose lay atop the stone tomb, marked with the name he was known by, beneath a crucifix softly highlighted by a spotlight. After a public funeral held at the Vatican on Saturday, the pope was privately interred in the basilica, a place he frequented during his cardinal and papal years, on Monday.
Since the church opened to the public on Sunday, thousands have flocked to pay homage to the revered pope, who passed away at the age of 88. Among those leaving tributes was Rosario Correale, who expressed it was a "very emotional" moment to witness the final resting place of a figure who significantly impacted people's lives. Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska echoed this sentiment, feeling that the simplicity of the tomb reflected the character of Pope Francis himself.
Pope Francis, known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary, chose Santa Maria Maggiore—a church dedicated to her since the 4th Century—as his burial site. This choice, located away from the Vatican boundaries where popes are traditionally entombed, has spurred discussions among visitors and locals. “I thought it was amazing that he wanted to be buried here,” said Amaya Morris, further emphasizing the meaningful connection Francis had with the basilica.
His funeral was attended by numerous global leaders, including heads of state, and drew hundreds of thousands of Catholics who filled the streets leading to the Vatican to honor his memory. The ceremony was highlighted by hymns and a homily from Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who spoke about Francis's enduring call for unity—"to build bridges, not walls."
Notably, the funeral served as a backdrop for a significant meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, hinting at the potential for historic diplomacy. As the pope’s coffin was transported through Rome on a repurposed white popemobile, it was greeted by applause from an estimated 140,000 mourners, as it traversed renowned landmarks like the Colosseum and the Forum.
In the wake of his passing, attention is set to shift to the forthcoming conclave aimed at electing the next pope, expected to begin in early May, marking a historic moment as 135 cardinals prepare to gather.
