Starting today, visitors can gain access to the tomb of Francis.
Let's Talk Pope Francis's Final Resting Place
Crowds galore at Francis's funeralNo more pope in St. Peter's Basilica, not for Papa Frank! He's taking it old school at the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. And boy, talk about a packed house! Over 400,000 mourners paid their respects at his funeral, making it one heck of a memorable moment.
- Pope Francis said goodbye to a massive crowd
- Papal groundshaking: The Vatican's new moves
Cardinals are also eagerly scooting over to the basilica to offer flowers and prayers at his simple marble grave, tucked in a side aisle near the altar of St. Francis. But before they do, there's a mass happening in St. Peter's Square, led by none other than Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Francis's right-hand man at the Vatican.
Santa Maria Maggiore: Where Francis found tranquility
Why Santa Maria Maggiore, you ask? Well, it's a special place for the Argentinian Pope. He'd often kneel before the icon of the Holy Virgin here, seeking serenity amidst the chaos of the Vatican. His grave, inscribed with his Latin name "Franciscus," is a testament to his devotion.
Dive Deeper
- Pope Francis is kaput - his journey comes to an end
Francis is just the eighth Pope to be laid to rest in this church since its inception, and the first since Clement IX in 1669. From 1903 to now, all popes have been interred in the grand St. Peter's Basilica.
The burial service was held on Saturday, following a grand funeral procession. The event saw the attendance of numerous dignitaries and common believers alike, with an estimated 400,000 people in attendance.
Saturdays with the Saints
"It was an epic day! Roman citizens and believers from all over the globe said their farewells to Pope Francis. We witnessed a monumental event, and thanks to the dedicated efforts of everyone involved, the day unfolded smoothly and peacefully, completely incident-free," Fabio Ciciliano, head honcho at Italian Civil Protection, shared his thoughts.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed gratitude for the safety and organization of the funeral ceremony, with 160 delegations in attendance from around the world.
The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his satisfaction with the way the day went down. "On the occasion of Pope Francis' mournful farewell, Rome offered the world a breathtaking demonstration of organizational prowess, unity, and communal spirit. A big thank you to all the institutions, the government, civil protection, the police, and armed forces - they made this global event, full of spiritual significance and staggering complexity, an unforgettable success."
A Week of Mourning Followed by the Hunt for the New Pope
Pope Francis's final act was to breathe his last on Easter Monday in Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican, following his attendance at the Easter Mass the day before. The nine-day mourning period, known as the Novendiale, is now in effect until May 4. Shortly thereafter, the conclave to vote for a new pontiff will convene, welcoming a new Pope to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
The cardinals' assembly must gather 15 to 20 days post-Pope's demise, which means between May 5 and 10. The exact date for the conclave could be announced later this week after another general congregation, a meeting for the cardinals to prepare for the upcoming conclave.
Francis was the world's first pope hailing from South America. His papacy, which started on March 13, 2013, lasted 12 years. Initially, he sparked hopes for reforms in the Catholic Church, but his tenure witnessed a shift in sentiment, leaving many believers with a hint of disappointment. Reforms within the Vatican departments did happen; however, further changes remained a dream.
- The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, marking a shift in policy-and-legislation regarding the burial places of popes.
- The argentinian Pope found tranquility at Santa Maria Maggiore throughout his papacy, choosing this church as his final resting place, where he had often sought solace amidst the chaos of the Vatican.
- The general news outlets expressed gratitude for the safe and well-organized funeral ceremony of Pope Francis, highlighting the significance of the event as a demonstration of Italian politics and unity.
- A week of mourning follows Pope Francis's death, and the cardinals will gather in a conclave to vote for a new pontiff, potentially opening a new chapter in policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news within the Catholic Church.
