The Vatican has released images for the first time of the tomb of Pope Francis in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Rome, where he was buried this Saturday.
On the tombstone is inscribed the name of the deceased pontiff, and a single white rose accompanies it beneath a crucifix. A warm light casts over the slab.
According to the Vatican, on a marble table, under paintings and icons, Francis always had a fresh white rose that represented his connection to "Teresita," Teresa of Lisieux, the saint he always turned to for blessings and to whose intercession he entrusted his personal difficulties and those of others.
A white rose has rested since last night on another marble, that of the Ligurian plaque with the inscription Franciscus in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, under which the mortal remains of Pope Francis lie. "It is not an artistic choice, but one of continuity and devotion," wrote the Holy See.
Around 400,000 people attended the funeral, a grand yet solemn ceremony in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William, and Volodymyr Zelensky among the attendees.
The coffin of Francisco, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, was moved to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he was buried in a private ceremony. This made him the first pope to be buried outside of the Vatican in over 120 years.
This Sunday, Catholic faithful began visiting Francisco's grave to bid a final farewell to the Argentine.
The Pope's will stipulated a simple burial "in the earth, without particular decoration", marked only with his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
Santa María la Mayor, located about three kilometers from the Vatican, was very dear to Francis because of its devotion to Mary, Mother of God. There, he would pray before departing and upon returning from each trip abroad.
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francisco was the first Jesuit pontiff and the first Latin American pope in history. During his papacy, he promoted a more open vision of the Church, one that is supportive and committed to the marginalized. His work focused on peace, the environment, interreligious dialogue, and the fight against abuses within the Church.
In 1957, while still young, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection. Respiratory illnesses accompanied him until the end of his days, even preventing him from making trips such as the one planned to the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a new edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book that governs papal funerals. He requested that his funeral be simple, focused on faith in the risen Christ and not on symbols of worldly power, as explained by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Liturgical Celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Death of Pope Francis and His Legacy
Where was Pope Francis buried?
Pope Francis was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This choice was significant due to his devotion to Mary, Mother of God, and his desire not to be buried in the Vatican crypt like his predecessors. Francis had expressed his wish for a simple burial, without decorations and with his papal name, "Franciscus," as the only inscription.
What were the causes of Pope Francis's death?
Pope Francis passed away due to a stroke followed by irreversible heart failure. His health had deteriorated since February 2025, when he was hospitalized for persistent bronchitis that developed into bilateral pneumonia. These respiratory complications accompanied him until the end of his days.
Which world leaders attended the funeral of Pope Francis?
The funeral of Pope Francis was a massive event that brought together leaders from around the world. Among them, notable attendees included Donald Trump, Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William, and Volodymyr Zelensky. The ceremony also featured delegations from 148 countries and representatives from international organizations.
What was Pope Francis's legacy in the Catholic Church?
Pope Francis will be remembered for promoting a more open and supportive vision of the Church, particularly committed to the marginalized. During his pontificate, he focused on issues such as peace, the environment, interreligious dialogue, and the fight against abuses within the Church. His pastoral approach and closeness to the faithful were also noteworthy.
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