Pope Francis Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Vatican City :
World leaders, Catholic faithful, and ordinary citizens gathered on Saturday to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who was laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, in accordance with his wishes as a pastor devoted to the margins of society.
The funeral Mass, celebrated in St. Peter’s Square under clear spring skies, drew tens of thousands of mourners who assembled before dawn. Among those present were presidents, princes, prisoners, and migrants — reflecting the inclusive ethos that characterised Francis’ papacy.
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away on April 21 following a stroke, at the age of 88. His death came less than a month after he was discharged from hospital where he had been treated for double pneumonia.
The funeral had originally been anticipated as part of a larger Holy Year celebration for adolescents. Instead, the day turned into a solemn farewell to a pope remembered for his emphasis on mercy, humility, and outreach to the world’s peripheries.
Following tradition, cardinals convened a “general congregation” to set the funeral date. This gathering marks the beginning of formal proceedings that will culminate in a conclave within the next three weeks to elect the next Bishop of Rome.
Pope Francis’ choice to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore — rather than the Vatican grottoes where many of his predecessors lie — was seen as a final act of humility and a nod to his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary.
