Pope Francis Laid to Rest: Mourners Gather at His Chosen Tomb
Images of Pope Francis's tomb at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have surfaced, depicting a poignant tribute to the late pontiff. A solitary white rose rests on the stone tomb, beneath a crucifix illuminated by a spotlight—a serene scene in contrast to the bustle of the city beyond.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was laid to rest at this historic church following a private ceremony, held after his public funeral in the Vatican on Saturday. From Sunday morning, thousands of mourners have streamed past his resting place, paying their respects to a leader who left an indelible mark on millions.
Among the visitors was Rosario Correale, an Italian pilgrim, who expressed deep emotions at the sight of the tomb. "He really left a mark on us," he told the Associated Press. Another pilgrim, Polish Maria Brzezinska, remarked that the simplicity of the Pope's resting place was fitting, acknowledging that it reflected his humble nature.
The choice of burial site is significant; Francis was deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary, and Santa Maria Maggiore holds the distinction of being the first church dedicated to her, established in the 4th century. It is located near the Colosseum and the vibrant Termini station, well beyond the traditional confines of Vatican burials, yet it was a location the South American pontiff cherished deeply.
In 2022, the senior priest of the basilica revealed that Pope Francis had expressed a desire to be interred there, citing inspiration from the Virgin Mary. Amaya Morris, a pilgrim, echoed sentiments of pride in being at such an important place. "Out of all of the churches, he chose this one. I thought that was really amazing. It's really humbling to be able to be here," she said.
His funeral, an event of immense international significance, was attended by numerous heads of state and hundreds of thousands of devoted Catholics. The streets leading to the Vatican were lined with mourners, some clapping and waving as the slow procession carried Pope Francis's coffin through Rome, a repurposed white popemobile serving as the hearse.
During the ceremony, 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a moving homily, underscoring the Pope's lifelong message of building bridges instead of walls—a call for unity that resonated with many throughout his papacy.
The ceremony also served as a backdrop for a historic meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with discussions emerging from their encounter regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Pope Francis had been a strong advocate for peace throughout his time leading the Catholic Church.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, attention will soon shift to the selection of his successor. Although a date for the conclave has yet to be officially announced, it is anticipated to occur as early as May 5 or 6, with 135 cardinals expected to participate, potentially marking the largest assembly of its kind in modern history.
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