Rome: Images of Pope Francis’ tomb at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have been released, offering a first glimpse of the late pontiff’s final resting place.
A single white rose lies atop the stone tomb, which bears the name he was known by during his pontificate. Above it, a crucifix enlightened by a single spotlight adds a solemn touch.
Pope Francis was laid to rest at the historic basilica in a private ceremony following his public funeral at the Vatican. Early Sunday morning, mourners queued outside the church to pay their respects to the beloved pope, who died at the age of 88.
Santa Maria Maggiore holds deep significance in Pope Francis’ life. Built in the 4th Century, it was the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to whom Francis had a lifelong devotion. Situated near Rome’s Termini station and the Colosseum, the basilica lies outside the traditional Vatican grounds where most popes are interred.
However, Francis’ wish to be buried there was made known as early as 2022, inspired by his strong affinity to the Virgin Mary. The funeral was attended by heads of state, monarchs, and religious leaders from across the world, as well as hundreds of thousands of Catholics who lined the streets of Rome.
Tributes echoed through giant speakers, occasionally drowned out by the buzz of helicopters overhead, as 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a moving homily. He underscored Pope Francis’ message of unity, reminding the world of his call to ‘build bridges, not walls.’
The ceremony also saw a notable meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy later remarked that the encounter had ‘the potential to become historic.’ Trump used the occasion to question Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict during which Pope Francis had frequently pleaded for peace.
Following the Vatican funeral, Pope Francis’ coffin was carried through the streets of Rome in a slow, dignified procession. Authorities estimated that 140,000 people lined the route, applauding and waving as the hearse, a repurposed white popemobile passed landmarks including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Altare della Patria.
As the period of mourning continues, preparations are already underway for the conclave that will select the next pope. While no official date has been announced, the gathering of 135 cardinals, the largest conclave in modern history, is expected to begin as early as May 5 or 6.
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