Pope Francis, the 88-year-old pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church through a transformative era, has been gracefully buried in a modest ceremony, marking the close of his earthly chapter.
True to his humble nature, Pope Francis has been laid to rest in a simple tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major one of Rome’s most revered Marian sanctuaries.
Constructed with stone from Liguria, the Italian region where his grandparents originated, the tomb reflects the Pope’s deep connection to his familial roots.
The Coadjutor Archpriest of the Basilica, Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, announced Pope Francis’ desire to be buried in a tomb made from the “stone of Liguria, the land of his grandparents.”
The tomb bears only the inscription “Franciscus” and a reproduction of his pectoral cross, underscoring the late pontiff’s lifelong commitment to simplicity and humility.
It is located near the Altar of St. Francis, in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Salus Populi Romani Chapel) and the Sforza Chapel.
As the world bids farewell to a spiritual leader who championed compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship, the Church now prepares for its next chapter: the selection of a new pope to guide the flock.
In his homily, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals who presided over the requiem Mass at St. Peter’s Square, prayed for the late Pope, asking God to welcome his soul.
“Spiritually united with all of Christianity, we are here in large numbers to pray for Pope Francis, that God may welcome him into the immensity of His love.”
“Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and personal encounters by saying, ‘Do not forget to pray for me’,” he reminded mourners.
Cardinal Giovanni also asked the Pope to pray for the world as he enters the gates of heaven, just as he used to pray for people from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Now, dear Pope Francis, we ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and we ask you to bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also with the whole of humanity, with that humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope.”
