Roman Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, interred at his cherished place of worship.
After a six-kilometer journey, Pope Francis' coffin reached his final resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, tucked beside Rome's main railway station. This choice, away from the Vatican, showcases his deep reverence for the Marian church. Thousands lined the streets, cheering as the procession rolled by.
The route took Pope Francis past major landmarks like the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum. As daybreak approached, crowds were already gathered on the streets of Rome, eagerly awaiting the procession. Television screens across Italy displayed the eager spectators lining up along the route, with many more at the Marian church's heart in Rome.
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A Lingering Farewell
A two-hour ceremony bid farewell to Francis on St. Peter's Square. His coffin was carried back into St. Peter's Basilica from the outdoor altar. For a brief moment, the bearers hoisted the coffin skyward, offering one last view of Rome to the pontiff, a tradition adhered to.
The crowd erupted in applause as hundreds of thousands filled the square and the surrounding streets. Among them were 224 cardinals, 750 bishops, and around 50 heads of state and government. The Vatican declared a staggering 250,000 people were present at the ceremony's conclusion.
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History and Symbolism
Pope Francis' request for burial in Santa Maria Maggiore is deeply symbolic, rooted in his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the basilica's storied history.
Historical Implications
- Basilica's Significance: Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the fifth century, is one of Rome's oldest and most respected basilicas. Deeply entwined with Catholic tradition, it holds a unique status in the veneration of Mary[1][3].
- Previous Papal Burials: Although several popes have found their resting place in Santa Maria Maggiore, the most recent was Pope Clement IX in the 17th century. Therefore, Pope Francis becoming the first pope to be buried there in centuries breaks new ground[1][3].
Spiritual Meaning
- Catholic Devotion: Pope Francis' intense devotion to Mary is evident in his repeated visits to Santa Maria Maggiore at the start and end of his apostolic journeys for prayer and divine guidance.
- Personal Significance: The basilica held a special place in Pope Francis' life, serving as a spiritual retreat where he could contemplate and seek divine intercession. This bond is reflected in his final testament, longing for his earthly journey to end in this "ancient Marian sanctuary"[4].
Tradition and Simplicity
- Departure from Tradition: Pope Francis' choice of burial outside the Vatican signifies a break from recent papal burial customs. Typically, modern popes are interred in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter's Basilica. This decision speaks to his commitment to simplicity and ties to this specific church[3].
- In the conclusion of a two-hour ceremony, Pope Francis' coffin was carried into St. Peter's Basilica, marking a traditional end to the proceedings.
- Defying recent tradition, Pope Francis selected the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as his burial site, a choice rooted in deep reverence for the Marian Church.
- Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the fifth century, holds significant historical and spiritual weight, serving as a landmark of tradition, Catholic devotion, and Pope Francis' personal connection.
