Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, was laid to rest on Saturday in one of Rome’s most cherished churches, Santa Maria Maggiore, following a solemn funeral Mass held earlier in St. Peter’s Square.
The brief but poignant burial ceremony began at 1:00 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) inside the historic basilica, a site the Argentinian-born pontiff had often visited throughout his papacy. Known for his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, Pope Francis frequently prayed at Santa Maria Maggiore before and after his international trips. Vatican officials noted that choosing this basilica for his final resting place reflected his lifelong humility and spiritual focus.
The funeral drew mourners from around the world, with thousands gathering at the Vatican to pay their final respects before the more private burial rites were held. The ceremony inside the basilica lasted around 30 minutes and was attended by senior clergy, close aides, and members of the papal household.
AFP