Images of the tomb of the late Pope Francis have been released, showcasing the tranquil atmosphere surrounding his final resting place at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome. A single white rose adorns the stone tomb, which features his papal name, illuminated softly beneath a crucifix. Following his public funeral at the Vatican, Pope Francis was laid to rest during a private ceremony in the basilica, a significant location he frequented throughout his life as both cardinal and head of the Catholic Church.
Since the church reopened to the public on Sunday, thousands of mourners have come to pay their respects to the pontiff, who passed away at 88. Visitors have expressed deep emotions, highlighting the impact he had on their lives. "He really left a mark on us," reflected Rosario Correale, an Italian pilgrim. Another visitor, Maria Brzezinska, noted the simplicity of the tomb echoed the late pope's character, stating, "He was simple, and so is his place now."
Santa Maria Maggiore holds a unique place in the historical landscape of Rome as the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in the 4th century. This was particularly meaningful for Pope Francis, who had a lifelong devotion to Mary. He had indicated his wish to be interred there as early as 2022. Amaya Morris, a pilgrim visiting from abroad, found significance in this choice, remarking, "It's really humbling to be able to be here."
His funeral service, attended by global leaders and an extensive congregation of Catholics, resonated with powerful calls for peace and unity, closely tied to his legacy of urging humanity to "build bridges, not walls." Voices rang out with hymns filled with emotion, overshadowed at times by helicopters flying above. During the procession through Rome to his final resting site, an impressive 140,000 spectators lined the streets, offering applause and farewell as the hearse—a repurposed white popemobile—passed iconic landmarks.
As the world reflects on the impact of Pope Francis, attention is shifting towards the future leadership of the Catholic Church, with the next conclave expected to convene soon, likely to be the largest in modern history.
