The late Pope Francis was laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome, where mourners flocked to pay tribute to his legacy after a private burial ceremony that followed his grand public funeral.
Pope Francis Laid to Rest: Ceremony and Public Mourning at Santa Maria Maggiore
Pope Francis Laid to Rest: Ceremony and Public Mourning at Santa Maria Maggiore
Images of the late pope's tomb reveal a poignant scene as thousands pay their respects following his public funeral.
Images of Pope Francis' tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have surfaced, showing a serene setting with a single white rose laid on the stone tomb, illuminated by a spotlight under a crucifix. The pope, who died at the age of 88 on Monday, was interred at this significant church, which he frequently visited as cardinal and pontiff, after a private ceremony that followed a public funeral in the Vatican on Saturday.
Thousands of individuals lined up to pay their respects at the church beginning Sunday, showcasing a heartfelt display of mourning for Pope Francis. Italian mourner Rosario Correale expressed the emotional weight of the experience, stating, "He really left a mark on us." Another visitor, Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska, reflected on the simplicity of the pope's final resting place, emphasizing, "He was simple, and so is his place now."
Santa Maria Maggiore, the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, holds special significance to the late pontiff. In 2022, Pope Francis voiced a desire to be buried there, inspired by the Virgin Mary’s connection to his ministry. "I thought it was amazing that he wanted to be buried here in this basilica," said pilgrim Amaya Morris, underlining the importance of the location in Francis’ life.
The public funeral witnessed attendance from global leaders, heads of government, and numerous Catholics coming together to honor the pope. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a homily highlighting Francis' call for unity in the world, urging to "build bridges, not walls." The ceremony resonated, with melodies echoing against the backdrop of helicopters.
The procession honoring his life drew an impressive crowd, with authorities estimating 140,000 people gathered as the hearse, adapted from a white popemobile, traversed the city’s historical landmarks. As the mourning period unfolds, anticipation builds regarding the election process for the next pope, which could commence as early as May with 135 cardinals participating, marking a potential historic conclave.
Thousands of individuals lined up to pay their respects at the church beginning Sunday, showcasing a heartfelt display of mourning for Pope Francis. Italian mourner Rosario Correale expressed the emotional weight of the experience, stating, "He really left a mark on us." Another visitor, Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska, reflected on the simplicity of the pope's final resting place, emphasizing, "He was simple, and so is his place now."
Santa Maria Maggiore, the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, holds special significance to the late pontiff. In 2022, Pope Francis voiced a desire to be buried there, inspired by the Virgin Mary’s connection to his ministry. "I thought it was amazing that he wanted to be buried here in this basilica," said pilgrim Amaya Morris, underlining the importance of the location in Francis’ life.
The public funeral witnessed attendance from global leaders, heads of government, and numerous Catholics coming together to honor the pope. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a homily highlighting Francis' call for unity in the world, urging to "build bridges, not walls." The ceremony resonated, with melodies echoing against the backdrop of helicopters.
The procession honoring his life drew an impressive crowd, with authorities estimating 140,000 people gathered as the hearse, adapted from a white popemobile, traversed the city’s historical landmarks. As the mourning period unfolds, anticipation builds regarding the election process for the next pope, which could commence as early as May with 135 cardinals participating, marking a potential historic conclave.
