Thousands of people visited the tomb of Pope Francis on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, starting early in the morning. Visitors began lining up before the Basilica opened at 7 AM local time (2 AM Brasília time). The 88-year-old Pope, who passed away on April 21, 2025, was buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025, after a three-day public funeral at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
Approximately 150,000 people accompanied his coffin to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where more than 200 heads of state and government, including Brazilian President Lula, attended the farewell ceremony. The coffin was placed in a simple marble tomb with only the name "Francisco" inscribed on it, marking a significant moment as no pope had been buried outside the Vatican in over a century. Pope Francis chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in a multicultural neighborhood of Rome, for his burial.
The Holy See released the first images of Pope Francis's tomb, which featured a single white rose—a symbol of his relationship with Saint Therese. The tomb is adorned with a crucifix illuminated by a spotlight, reflecting the simplicity that characterized the late pope's life and ministry. The basilica, one of the four major churches in Rome, was a place of personal significance for Francis, who frequently visited it during his time as a cardinal.
On the morning of April 27, about 200,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the first mass after Pope Francis's burial. The celebration was led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who emphasized the message of mercy left by the pontiff. He remarked, "Only mercy heals and creates a new world, extinguishing the flames of distrust, hatred, and violence." Parolin compared the grief felt by the congregation to the anguish experienced by the apostles after the crucifixion of Jesus.
The mass coincided with the closing of the Jubilee of Adolescents, which attracted a significant number of young attendees. The canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, scheduled for this date, was postponed due to the pope's death. Acutis, known as the "patron saint of the internet," passed away at 15 in 2006 from leukemia and was recognized for his efforts to evangelize online.
During the funeral held on April 26, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised Pope Francis's legacy, particularly his unwavering call for peace amid global conflicts. "In the face of so many wars in recent years, Pope Francis raised his voice incessantly pleading for peace," he noted. Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years, advocating for humanitarian causes, the poor, and social justice.
On April 27, the College of Cardinals gathered to visit the tomb of Pope Francis after a mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This visit marked the second Sunday of Easter, known as Divine Mercy Sunday, and the second day of the Novendiali, a nine-day period of mourning and prayers for the pope. The visitation of Pope Francis's tomb was opened to the public at 7 AM local time, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
Before the burial, Pope Francis's coffin was received by a group of needy individuals, including the homeless and migrants, reflecting his deep commitment to the marginalized. As the coffin arrived at the basilica, the group, carrying white roses, was present to honor the late pontiff. The Vatican's delegate for charity services, Dom Ambarus, emphasized the significance of including the poor in the funeral, stating, "The poor have a privileged place in God's heart, just as they did in the heart and teachings of the Holy Father, who chose the name Francis to never forget them."
As the funeral procession made its way through the streets of Rome, approximately 140,000 people gathered to witness the somber event. They applauded and waved as the papamobile, a modified white vehicle, passed by iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Altare della Patria. The procession was a powerful testament to Pope Francis's impact on the world and the affection he garnered from the faithful.
In a historic meeting during the funeral, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were reported to have a conversation that could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky remarked that the meeting had the potential to be historic, especially in light of Pope Francis's consistent calls for peace throughout his papacy.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy of compassion and advocacy for the voiceless continues to resonate. His burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, chosen for its connection to the Virgin Mary, reflects his deep faith and commitment to the Church's teachings. As the faithful gather to honor his memory, the messages of mercy and peace he championed remain at the forefront of the Church's mission.
