ROME: Tens of thousands of people gathered at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica on Sunday to pay their respects at the tomb of Pope Francis, marking a historic moment as the late pontiff was buried outside the Vatican—a break from tradition.
Francis had chosen the basilica in Rome’s multicultural district for his final resting place, opting for simplicity in his burial. His coffin was moved there on Saturday following his funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where around 150,000 mourners lined the streets to bid farewell.
The Pope’s casket was placed in a modest marble tomb, inscribed only with his Latin name “Franciscus,” with a plain cross hanging above. Visitors, including Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska, reflected on the simplicity of the burial, noting it was fitting for a pope known for his humble nature.
The basilica opened at 7:00 AM (0500 GMT), and by midday, 30,000 people had passed through to visit the tomb, according to the Vatican. The lines were long, with some visitors waiting more than two hours for a brief moment by the grave.
In the afternoon, cardinals gathered for prayers at the basilica, which has stood since 432 AD and is known for its early Christian structure. Francis had a deep connection to this church due to his devotion to Mary, Mother of God. A vase of golden roses, a gift from the Pope in 2023, was placed under a venerated icon of Mary near his tomb.
A single white rose was placed atop Francis’s final resting place, symbolizing the love and respect of the faithful.
