Unraveling the Enigma: Audience Lining Up to Snap Selfies in Rome Before a Wooden Panel
Inside Rome's Famed Basilica of St Mary Major, Tourists Line Up for Pope Francis' Future Resting Spot
Situated in the heart of Rome, the Basilica of St Mary Major is drawing crowds, not for its ancient mosaics or Baroque-era additions, but for a humble plywood panel. As one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches in the Eternal City, this basilica boasts a rich history. Yet, visitors, including locals, tourists, and even die-hard Catholics, are more interested in this oddity than the stunning relics all around it.
Word spreads quickly: this is where Pope Francis will be interred. Despite the construction-site vibe, this spot will soon become a sacred place for Catholics worldwide. Just a stone's throw from Termini Rail Station, and on the other side of the Tiber River, the Basilica of St Mary Major is bustling with people eager to capture a picture of this simple spot.
This was evident when our team visited the basilica, with less than 48 hours left until the pontiff's funeral. Some kneel reverently, while others grin, unsure of the appropriate tone. A Mozambique-born priest, Jose, stationed close by, was among those transfixed. He and his fellow pilgrims arrived in Rome during the Jubilee Year. The death of Francis left him in a state of shock.
Jose shared his feelings, saying, "I feel sad because it's a big loss not just for Catholics but for the world. Francis was a pope of hope, his message was to bring hope to those who were in need, women, and people who suffer violence and war." For Jose, being in Rome during this time was almost a blessing. He had missed meeting Francis twice in the past – once in Mozambique and then in Canada. The priest had planned to attend an audience with pilgrims in St Peter's Square but was left disappointed when Francis passed away.
"After missing each other twice, I thought finally, I will meet him in Rome," Jose said, "but that was not God's plan." Following the funeral procession on Saturday, Francis' coffin will be transported from St Peter's Basilica to the Basilica of St Mary Major.
In his will, Pope Francis made simple requests for his burial: "The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.” The pontiff also expressed his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary, requesting that his mortal remains rest in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. [3]
The basilica remains open to the public until the day of the burial.
[1] Although Pope Francis' body lies in state at St Peter's Basilica, metro stations and streets around the Vatican remain crowded, with many making their way to pay their respects.
[2] In stark contrast to the solemnity of the occasion, some areas outside the Basilica of St Mary Major have transformed into makeshift entertainment zones, with street performers and food vendors attracting curious onlookers.
[3] In accordance with Pope Francis' expressed wishes, his burial will soon take place at the Basilica of St Mary Major, where he will be laid to rest in a simple grave, bearing only the inscription: "Francis." Despite the bustling entertainment, the basilica remains a sacred place for the thousands who line up each day for his upcoming burial.
