Pope Francis was buried on Saturday at Rome’s historic Santa Maria Maggiore church. For the Catholic Church, this represents a historic moment, as he is the first pontiff in more than 100 years to be interred outside of the Vatican. Hundreds of the mourners quickly filled the gravesite, with massive crowds lining the streets in honor. They stood respectfully in lengthy lines to pay their tribute at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
The late pope’s wooden coffin, adorned with a white rose, was transported through the streets of Rome in the popemobile. Tens of thousands lined the route, which featured a particularly emotional ride past the historic Colosseum. This long procession to the place of his eternal rest underscored the profound connection that Pope Francis shared with this city and with its people.
Pope Francis had expressed his desire to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, stating, “I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore because it is my great devotion.” He knew a very strong connection to this basilica, which deeply resonates with his personal and spiritual path.
The tomb is a lesson in simplicity and elegance. It’s carved in marble from the very same region, Liguria, that’s especially dear to the heart of Pope Francis, as it’s the land of origins of his grandparents. The inscription on the tomb simply reads “Franciscus,” as he had requested.
He wanted the tomb to be in the earth, simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: “Franciscus,” reflected a church spokesperson, emphasizing the late pontiff’s humility.
After the interment, some 200,000 people milled about the vicinity of St. Peter’s Square. Their presence underscored just how deeply Pope Francis affected the global Catholic community. A patron funded his interment, per his last will and testament. This commanded that his grave should be as simple, humble and pious as his life was.
To select Santa Maria Maggiore as his resting place was already a radical break from precedent. Typically, popes are interred inside the walls of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This decision speaks volumes about Pope Francis’ commitment to his roots and his desire to remain connected with the people of Rome.
