Vatican City - Footage captures the interment of Pope Francis within the sovereign city-state of the Vatican.
Pope Francis Bids Farewell in a Unique, Inclusive Ceremony
After a life dedicated to simplicity, inclusivity, and global outreach, Pope Francis has found his final resting place in the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Vatican City - a decision that was his own during his lifetime.
Sharing the news on their social media platform, the Vatican posted a photo of a marble slab with the inscription "Franciscus" in Latin. The post read, "Pope Francis is buried in the Roman basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore."
The burial ceremony, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, took place at 13:00 local time, and lasted for half an hour. As noted by CNN, this marks the first time in over a century that a pope has been buried outside the Vatican walls. In his will, Pope Francis requested that only the word "Franciscus" be written on his grave.
The ceremony attracted a plethora of attendees, not just dignitaries and clergy, but average people from diverse backgrounds. This inclusivity, a hallmark of Pope Francis's message, was a testament to his warm and welcoming nature.
While the ceremony followed traditional guidelines, it also had a modern and inclusive twist, with prayers offered in multiple languages. This global representation was a reflection of Pope Francis's commitment to ecumenism and global outreach during his papacy.
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, we remember a leader who championed simplicity, inclusivity, and global unity. To delve deeper into the events taking place in the Vatican after his demise, click here.
In a break from tradition, the St. Peter's Basilica, where the coffin with Pope Francis's body stood for three days, was open around the clock. The evening before, a ceremony of farewell and closure of the coffin took place. Today, a memorial mass was held in front of St. Peter's Basilica, attended by world leaders, reigning monarchs, and a massive crowd.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be etched in the annals of history for its unique characteristics - a testament to the man who inspires countless millions across the globe.
Pope Francis's burial place was the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, as per his personal request during his lifetime, a choice that comes after a life dedicated to simplicity and global outreach.
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis was buried outside the Vatican walls in the Roman basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, making this the first such occurrence in over a century.
As per the Vatican's social media post, only the word "Franciscus" was written on the marble slab marking his grave, reflecting his humble and simple nature.
In contrast to the solemnity of the burial ceremony, the ceremony attracted a diverse crowd of attendees, embodying the inclusivity that was a hallmark of Pope Francis's message.
