Goodbye Pope Francis: A Solemn Finale for the People's Pontiff
Pope Francis is buried, with an estimated 400,000 people mourning him for his open-hearted attitude and service.
Saturday, April 26th, witnessed a sea of mourners, world leaders including US President Donald Trump, and hundreds of thousands of devoted Catholics, bidding farewell to Pope Francis, the humble champion of the poor who sought to build a more compassionate Catholic Church.
The Vatican reported an astounding 400,000 attendees in St. Peter's Square and the streets of Rome for the funeral of the first Latin American Pope, leading the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
After a somber service, the Argentine Pontiff's unadorned wooden coffin, embodying a life of modesty, was slowly transported to Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore church for a private interment ceremony.
Cardinals applied red wax seals to the coffin before it was descended into a humble tomb nestled within an alcove. Images released by the Vatican showcased this poignant moment.
Guatemalan Maria Vicente, 52, tearfully cradling a rosary, found herself moved as she watched the coffin being carried into Santa Maria Maggiore, her emotional response echoing that of many others. "It tore me apart. Seeing him depart like that hit me hard," she confessed.
The marble tomb, inscribed with a single word, "Franciscus," resonates deeply with the simple yet powerful symbolism of Pope Francis. This choice mirrors his continual focus on humility, solidarity, and empathy for the downtrodden.
Slate or marble, the specific type of stone remains debated but both emphasize the humble essence of the monument. This "people's stone," as slate is fondly known, aligned perfectly with Francis's mission to serve as a conduit between the people and God—modest yet robust, just like his spiritual journey.
Trump was among more than fifty heads of state who paid their respects to the former Pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke.
Interestingly, the tomb embodies several elements significant to Pope Francis. First, the use of Ligurian stone honors his family roots, as his forebears hailed from Italy's Liguria region. Second, the reproduction of his pectoral cross, which he preferred to keep rather than exchange for a gold one, further highlights his rejection of emblems of wealth and power, embracing simplicity instead. Lastly, the tomb's location in Santa Maria Maggiore holds profound significance, as the basilica held personal and spiritual importance for Pope Francis, who often visited to pray before and after his travels. The tomb is placed near the Altar of St. Francis, further underscoring his namesake and spiritual values.
Thus, the tomb inscription and design encapsulate the enduring legacy of Pope Francis, symbolizing his steadfast commitment to humility, modesty, and connection with the common man.
Thousands of people, including Guatemalan Maria Vicente, cried as they watched Pope Francis's wooden coffin being carried into Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore on Monday, reflecting the emotional impact of the funeral of the first Latin American Pope. Social media was flooded with images and tributes to Pope Francis on the day of his interment, showing the global reach of his influence in entertainment and beyond. In line with his humble persona, the marble tomb inscribed with the single word "Franciscus" was made from Ligurian stone, a choice that acknowledges his Italian lineage and further solidified his commitment to modesty and simplicity.
