Catholic worshippers on Sunday lined up in crowds outside the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday, to pay their respects to the late pontiff at his tomb.
Francis’ tomb, made of white marble from Liguria, the Italian region where his mother’s family were from, was engraved only with his Latin name, “Franciscus.”
A single white rose was placed on the stone slab under a crucifix, an enlarged replica of Francis’ pectoral cross, and illuminated by a spotlight.
The tomb is placed in a niche next to the chapel in the basilica that Francis visited more than a hundred times to pray to the icon of the Virgin Mary, for whom he had a long-held affinity during his 12-year papacy.
The place of remembrance for the late pope, who died aged 88 on Monday, also symbolizes his final wish for simplicity.
Francis chose this as his place of burial because it reflects his “humble, simple and essential” life, the archbishop who administers the basilica said Friday.
The tomb was opened a day after hundreds of thousands of mourners and world leaders gathered for a public funeral at the Vatican.
His casket was then taken in a final journey to St. Mary Major, where the pope was met, according to his wishes, by dozens of Rome’s impoverished and needy, including prisoners, migrants, homeless and transgender people.
A private burial ceremony presided over by the cardinal camerlengo, Kevin Farrell, followed shortly after, with only senior cardinals and Francis’ family members in attendance.
Funeral rites for the late pope are held for nine days after his burial as he is mourned and celebrated by the faithful.
During this time, the Vatican will also prepare for the process to elect a new Pope, known as the Conclave, which must begin within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s death. The Holy See has not yet released details of the upcoming conclave.
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