POPE FRANCIS LAID TO REST AT BASILICA OF ST. MARY MAJOR
Pope Francis has been laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major after a solemn procession across the heart of Rome, marking his final farewell to the Eternal City.
Following the funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, the pope’s simple casket departed the Vatican through the Perugino Gate at 12:30 p.m. local time. Transported in a modified popemobile-style pickup truck, the casket was met with applause and shouts of “Goodbye, Pope Francis” and “Safe journey, Francis” from mourners gathered outside.
The procession traveled through Rome, passing iconic landmarks such as the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum, before arriving at Via Merulana, which leads to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
According to estimates, about 150,000 people lined the streets of Rome to pay their respects, while approximately 400,000 attended the funeral Mass.
A small procession of cardinals, bishops, priests, and Vatican officials led the way into the basilica, where they paused before the chapel housing Pope Francis’ beloved Marian icon, Salus Populi Romani. The burial took place in a private ceremony at the pope’s request.
Pope Francis now rests among seven other popes buried at the historic fifth-century basilica. The private rite included prayers for mercy and forgiveness, the chanting of the Our Father, and other Latin prayers. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, sprinkled holy water over the coffin as the Marian antiphon Regina Caeli was sung.
Close aides, Vatican dignitaries, Francis’ personal secretaries, and family members were present at the burial.
Today, April 26, also marks the beginning of the novendiales—a nine-day mourning period in the Catholic Church. During this time, cardinals will celebrate daily Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
Starting Monday, the College of Cardinals will meet daily to discuss the future of the Church and the qualities needed in its next leader. The conclave to elect a new pope is expected to commence in the first week of May.
