People are now visiting Pope Francis’s tomb after he was laid to rest on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff was buried in a private ceremony at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This followed a large outdoor funeral mass at the Vatican, where around 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas to pay their respects.
The tomb itself is simple, marked only with the name "Franciscus" in Latin. Visitors began arriving on Sunday, forming long lines to see his final resting place. Many left tokens of remembrance, including a single white rose placed at the tomb. A warm light illuminated the area, highlighting a reproduction of the late pope’s pectoral cross on the wall above.
Elias Caravalhal, one of the visitors, shared that Pope Francis was an inspiration and a guide for him. He came to say goodbye and to express gratitude for the pope’s contributions. Another visitor, Susmidah Murphy from India, expressed her sadness, noting that popes like Francis are rare.
By lunchtime on Sunday, about 30,000 people had visited the tomb, including a group of cardinals who paid their respects later in the day. The tomb opened on the second day of a nine-day mourning period for Francis, after which a conclave will be held to elect his successor.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke while recovering from pneumonia. His burial marks a significant break from tradition, as he chose to be laid to rest outside the Vatican, the first pope to do so in over a century. The last pope buried outside was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903.
Francis had a deep connection to Santa Maria Maggiore, a church known for its Byzantine-style icon of the Madonna. He often prayed there before and after his international trips. His simple wooden coffin was transported through Rome in an open-top popemobile, allowing the public to pay their last respects as it made its way to the basilica.
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attended the funeral mass. Royal representatives, such as Prince William, were present as well.
As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, many remember his humble approach and the warmth he brought to the papacy. His passing is felt deeply by many, and the outpouring of love and respect at his tomb is a testament to the impact he had on countless lives.