Images of the Late Pope Francis's Tomb Released for Public Mourning

Images reveal the solemn resting place where mourners pay tribute to the beloved pontiff who passed away at 88.

Images of Pope Francis's tomb have been unveiled at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome, creating a poignant setting for public mourning following his recent funeral. The late pope was interred in a private ceremony after the large-scale public ceremony held at the Vatican last Saturday. The unveiled tomb, marked by a single white rose and illuminated by a soft spotlight, directly bears the name he was known by during his papacy, encapsulating the humility he exemplified.

Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four primary basilicas in Rome, is a place imbued with deep significance for Pope Francis. It was here that he frequently sought solace and sanctuary during his time as cardinal and pontiff. Following the church's opening to the public on Sunday morning, an increasing flow of mourners gathered to pay their respects to the beloved pope, who passed away at age 88 on Monday. Thousands have since queued to honor his legacy.

Many of those who visited expressed deep emotional connections to Francis. Rosario Correale, an Italian visitor, described his experience as "very emotional," while Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska felt the tomb was a fitting resting place for the simple yet impactful pope. The choice of burial outside the Vatican—where popes are traditionally entombed—was rooted in Francis’s strong devotion to the Virgin Mary and personal desire to rest at the basilica, as stated by parish priests, including a wish expressed by him back in 2022.

Francis’s funeral drew global leaders, enrichening the outpouring of tribute with shared moments, such as a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which occurred amidst the solemn atmosphere of remembrance. As the funeral procession moved slowly through Rome, it was met with cheers and respect from the 140,000 attendees lining the streets, who applauded as the hearse crossed significant landmarks in the city.

In the wake of mourning for Pope Francis, the Catholic community's focus will soon shift towards selecting a successor, with a conclave of 135 cardinals expected to convene as early as May, marking a historic moment for the Church as they search for the next leader.