Final Resting Place of Pope Francis Revealed in Rome

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was laid to rest in Santa Maria Maggiore church, a place of deep significance to him, following his public funeral. Images of his tomb depict a simple yet poignant tribute, resonating with the emotional outpouring from thousands of mourners.

Images revealing the tomb of Pope Francis at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have been released to the public, drawing admiration and reverence from thousands of his followers. A single white rose rests atop the stone marked with his name, illuminated by a gentle spotlight beneath a crucifix. Following the public funeral held at the Vatican on Saturday, the late pope was interred privately at this renowned basilica, one of four major churches in the Italian capital that had held special significance during his life, particularly during his time as a cardinal.

Since the doors of Santa Maria Maggiore opened to the public on Sunday morning, countless mourners have visited to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 just days ago. Mourners such as Rosario Correale expressed their emotional connections to the late pope, commenting on the profound impact he had on their lives. Similarly, Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska noted the simplicity of his final resting place felt appropriate, reflecting the man's humble nature.

Santa Maria Maggiore is known for its dedication to the Virgin Mary and has historical roots dating back to the 4th Century. Despite being outside the traditional burial sites for popes — the Vatican — this church was chosen by Pope Francis himself for his interment, a decision reportedly made in 2022, inspired by his devotion to Mary.

The funeral, attended by dignitaries and world leaders, overflowed with respect and admiration, as hundreds of thousands filled the streets leading to the Vatican, celebrating his legacy. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re highlighted the pope’s legacy of peace, emphasizing his lifelong call to “build bridges, not walls.” Amidst the solemn rituals, the gathering was also marked by moments of historical significance, such as a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, igniting discussions that echoed the pope's commitment to global peace.

Following the emotional farewell, Pope Francis’s coffin was transported through Rome in a procession that drew 140,000 onlookers, reflecting on his journey through iconic sites like the Colosseum and the Forum. Although the mourning period continues, the focus will soon shift towards the selection of the next pope, with a conclave potentially planned for early May, which could mark a significant chapter in the church’s history as the largest gathering of cardinals in modern times.