Pictures of Pope Francis's tomb at the historic Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have surfaced, showing a single white rose resting on the stone slab inscribed with his papal name, accentuated by a soft spotlight on a nearby crucifix. The late pope was interred in a private ceremony after a public funeral held at the Vatican on Saturday.
From Sunday morning onward, the church opened its doors to the public, allowing thousands of mourners to drop by and honor Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday. Among those who came to visit was Rosario Correale, who described the experience as "very emotional" and acknowledged the significant impact the pope had on many lives.
Another visitor, Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska, expressed her admiration for the choice of resting place, remarking that it reflected Pope Francis's simplicity. The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, dating back to the 4th Century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was not only a favorite of the pope during his time as cardinal but also a location he expressed interest in for his burial wishes in 2022.
Amaya Morris, a pilgrim, stated how amazing it was for the pope to choose this basilica over others, highlighting its humbling significance for visitors. Pope Francis's final funeral ceremony drew numerous dignitaries, including heads of state and government from around the globe, while hundreds of thousands of Catholics filled the streets to take part in the memorial.
During the service, hymns resonated through the air, accompanied by the occasional whirr of helicopters above, as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a tribute to the pope's legacy, emphasizing his calls to "build bridges, not walls". The previous day, Pope Francis's coffin was carried slowly through Rome, watched by around 140,000 people who cheered and waved as the hearse passed by iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Altare della Patria.
As the period of mourning subsides, focus will shift to the upcoming selection of the next pope, which is expected to commence between May 5th and 6th with 135 cardinals, potentially marking the largest conclave in modern ecclesiastical history.
