Thousands pay tribute to the late pontiff as mourners line up to honor his legacy.
Pope Francis's Final Resting Place Revealed: Tomb Images Released
Pope Francis's Final Resting Place Revealed: Tomb Images Released
Images released show Pope Francis's tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore, where he rests after a public funeral.
Images depicting the tomb of the late Pope Francis have been unveiled, showcasing a serene resting place adorned with a single white rose. Situated in the historic Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome, the late pontiff was laid to rest here following a private ceremony that took place after his public funeral service on Saturday.
The tomb, bearing the name Francis was known by during his papacy, is illuminated by a gentle spotlight beneath a crucifix. Since the church reopened to the public on Sunday morning, numerous mourners have visited the site, including Rosario Correale, an Italian visitor who expressed deep emotion over his passing. "He truly left an imprint on us," he noted to the Associated Press.
Among the visitors was Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska, who remarked, "I feel this resting place befits the man. He was humble, and so is his final resting spot." Pope Francis had a lifelong dedication to the Virgin Mary, making Santa Maria Maggiore, the first church dedicated to her in the 4th century, an appropriate choice for his burial.
Although traditionally, popes are interred within the Vatican, Pope Francis had expressed a preference for Santa Maria Maggiore, a sentiment disclosed by a senior priest in 2022 who noted Francis's admiration for the basilica.
The public funeral event attracted dignitaries from across the globe, including heads of state and thousands of Catholics who gathered to honor the Pope's memory. Giant speakers filled the air with hymns as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a heartfelt homily celebrating the legacy of Pope Francis, reminding attendees of his ardent calls for unity and peace.
The funeral also featured a significant encounter between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, a meeting that may have historical implications. Following the solemn ceremony, Pope Francis's coffin was transported through Rome, with authorities reporting that about 140,000 people lined the streets to pay their last respects.
As the period of mourning comes to a close, the focus will shift to the upcoming papal conclave. While no official date has been announced, it is anticipated that the conclave may commence as early as May, with 135 cardinals set to gather, likely marking the largest conclave in modern history.
The tomb, bearing the name Francis was known by during his papacy, is illuminated by a gentle spotlight beneath a crucifix. Since the church reopened to the public on Sunday morning, numerous mourners have visited the site, including Rosario Correale, an Italian visitor who expressed deep emotion over his passing. "He truly left an imprint on us," he noted to the Associated Press.
Among the visitors was Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska, who remarked, "I feel this resting place befits the man. He was humble, and so is his final resting spot." Pope Francis had a lifelong dedication to the Virgin Mary, making Santa Maria Maggiore, the first church dedicated to her in the 4th century, an appropriate choice for his burial.
Although traditionally, popes are interred within the Vatican, Pope Francis had expressed a preference for Santa Maria Maggiore, a sentiment disclosed by a senior priest in 2022 who noted Francis's admiration for the basilica.
The public funeral event attracted dignitaries from across the globe, including heads of state and thousands of Catholics who gathered to honor the Pope's memory. Giant speakers filled the air with hymns as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a heartfelt homily celebrating the legacy of Pope Francis, reminding attendees of his ardent calls for unity and peace.
The funeral also featured a significant encounter between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, a meeting that may have historical implications. Following the solemn ceremony, Pope Francis's coffin was transported through Rome, with authorities reporting that about 140,000 people lined the streets to pay their last respects.
As the period of mourning comes to a close, the focus will shift to the upcoming papal conclave. While no official date has been announced, it is anticipated that the conclave may commence as early as May, with 135 cardinals set to gather, likely marking the largest conclave in modern history.
