Pope Francis's Final Farewell at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Visual snippets of Pope Francis' funeral ceremony
In a poignant display of faith and unity, around 400,000 mourners, including world leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Argentine President Javier Milei, gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square.
Leaving a significant impact during his tenure, Pope Francis's coffin was escorted in a solemn procession towards the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, his chosen resting place. This grand 5th-century sanctuary, home to the tombs of seven popes, was selected as a testament to the pope's deep devotion to the Mother of God.
![Pope Francis's funeral ceremony at St. Peter's Square] (https://www.example.com/images/pope_francis_funeral)
During his journeys, Pope Francis would often find solace and inspiration in the Basilica's venerated Byzantine Mary icon, Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People). The icon's presence here is likely one of the reasons why Pope Francis chose this site for his final resting place.
![Pope Francis praying before Salus Populi Romani] (https://www.example.com/images/pope_francis_praying)
The funeral service, held at St. Peter's Square, was a humble affair, reflecting Pope Francis's life as a humble servant of Christ. His simple, undecorated tomb nestled in a side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, with the inscription Franciscus in Latin, serves as a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The costs for preparing the burial site are covered by a benefactor, further emphasizing the emphasis on simplicity and pastoral nature of the pope's final send-off.
Pope Francis's spiritual testament, penned in June 2022, outlines his wishes for a simple burial in Saint Mary Major, entrusting his mortal remains to the care of the Immaculate Mother. These detailed instructions were passed on to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, ensuring that the pope's final wishes were carried out to the letter.
Pope Francis's decision to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major sets a unique and inspiring precedent, showcasing his humility, devotion, and commitment to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His burial plans will undoubtedly serve as a reminder to future generations of the pope's unwavering dedication to his faith and the Catholic Church.
[1] [Encyclical Letter 'Fratelli Tutti,' Pope Francis] (https://www.example.com/encyclical-letter-fratelli-tuti)
[2] [The pope's wishes for a simple burial at Saint Mary Major] (https://www.example.com/pope-wishes-simple-burial)
[3] [Pope Francis's love for the Byzantine Mary icon] (https://www.example.com/pope-francis-byzantine-mary-icon)
[4] [Pope Francis's funeral: A celebration of simplicity] (https://www.example.com/pope-francis-funeral-simplicity)
- Javier Milei, among the world leaders, was present during Pope Francis's emotional farewell at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
- In accordance with Pope Francis's spiritual testament, his wishes for reuse and a simple burial were carried out in Saint Mary Major.
- The Vatican is preparing to reuse the coffin that held Pope Francis, as per the tradition of recycling the papal coffins.
- The entertainment industry and celebrities from around the world showed their respect to Pope Francis by covering his funeral service through live broadcasts.
