Photographs of Pope Francis’ final resting place have been unveiled following his funeral proceedings.
Pope Francis, who served as pope for more than ten years, died peacefully at Saint Martha House in Vatican City on Monday, at the age of 88.
At the time of his passing, Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the news with a heartfelt statement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”
Pope Francis was laid to rest following a funeral in Rome yesterday, attended by an estimated 250,000 individuals.
Though the service was public, the subsequent burial of the 88-year-old took place in a private ceremony at the Basilica of St Mary Major, located six kilometers from St Peter’s Square.
While popes are customarily buried beneath St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Pope Francis had specifically requested that his burial be at St Mary Major.
Following his interment, Roman Catholic devotees have begun visiting his tomb, passing by the modest white tomb in St Mary Major Basilica, a day after he was honored by a massive gathering of mourners.
A singular white rose was placed on the tomb, which bore the inscription ‘Franciscus’ – the Pope’s Latin name.
A gentle light illuminated the tomb and a replica of the late pope’s pectoral cross adorned the wall above.
The simplicity of the tomb was intentional, reflecting Pope Francis’ wish to embody his ‘humble’ life, according to PBS News.
In 2022, Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas suggested that the Basilica of St Mary Major be chosen as the final resting place for the late pope.
In discussions about the choice, Makrickas remembered Pope Francis expressing his desire for a simple tomb because he wanted the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary ‘to venerate the Madonna, not to see the tomb of a pope’.