Hundreds of people passed through Pope Francis’ tomb since early Sunday morning (27), in the Roman Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he chose to be buried.
No Pope had been buried outside the Vatican in over a century, but Francisco opted for the burial in Santa Maria Maior, located in the most multicultural neighborhood of the Italian capital.
His coffin was taken there on Saturday, after the body mass present in St. Peter’s Square, with thousands of people traveling the way through the heart of the city to say goodbye.
The coffin was placed in a simple marble tomb in a side corridor of the basilica.
Only his name in Latin, “Francis,” is inscribed at the top, while a simple cross reproduction he used to wear on his neck is hanging above the niche.
“I feel it is exactly the Pope’s style. He was simple, and his place now is,” said Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska after paying her honors.
Visitors began to queue well before the opening of the Basilica at 7am (05h GMT).
After going through the metal detectors, they entered the church through the so -called Holy Door, opened only during the special saints celebrated every 25 years.
Saint Maria Maggiore is one of the four basilicas in Rome that have these sacred doors. It was founded in 432 and is the only basilica in the city that preserves the early Christian structure, although there have been many later additions.
Francis was especially attached to her for her devotion to Mary, Mother of God. He prayed there before and after each trip abroad.
A venerated Byzantine icon of Mary is stored in the Pauline Chapel, near the tomb. A vase of golden roses, donated by Francis in 2023, rests between candlesticks under the icon. His last visit to the chapel carrying a bouquet of white roses was on April 12.
A single white rose was placed in its tomb.
“So much intensity. He was a person close to all, so we respect him for what he did, each in his own way. Thank you,” said Carmelo Lamurra, a resident of Rome.
