Images of Pope Francis's Final Resting Place Unveiled

Sun Dec 07 2025 02:07:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The poignant reveal of images showcasing Pope Francis's tomb gives insight into his final resting place at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome.

Following a private ceremony, the tomb of Pope Francis, who died at age 88, has become a site of mourning, with thousands visiting to pay respects. His choice of burial site reflects his devotion and connection to the Virgin Mary.

Images of Pope Francis's tomb at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome have recently been unveiled to the public. The site features a simple yet touching display, with a single white rose resting on his stone tomb, marked by the name he held during his papacy, and illuminated by a soft spotlight under a crucifix.

The beloved pope was laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore following his public funeral at the Vatican on Saturday. This church, one of the four major basilicas in Rome, holds personal significance for Pope Francis, who frequented it during his time as a cardinal and pontiff. A private ceremony preceded the public viewing, which opened on Sunday morning, inviting thousands of mourners to pay tribute to the late leader, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday.

Among those who visited the tomb, Italian pilgrim Rosario Correale expressed the emotional impact of the experience, stating, "He really left a mark on us." Similarly, Polish visitor Maria Brzezinska complemented the simplicity of the tomb and remarked, "I feel like it’s exactly in the way of the Pope. He was simple, and so is his place now."

The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place is particularly meaningful—this historic church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 4th Century and showcases Francis's deep devotion. It sits in a bustling area of Rome, contrasting with the Vatican, where popes are traditionally interred. Pope Francis himself had previously expressed his desire to be buried there, citing inspiration from the Virgin Mary.

During his public funeral, dignitaries and heads of state gathered, alongside countless Catholics. Hymns resonated throughout the event, occasionally interrupted by helicopters overhead. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a touching homily, underscoring Pope Francis's legacy and his recurring message of unity, urging the world to "build bridges, not walls."

After the funeral, the pope’s coffin was processed through Rome, with around 140,000 people lining the streets to honor him as the hearse traversed iconic sites such as the Colosseum and the Altare della Patria national monument. As the mourning period concludes, the focus will shift to the forthcoming selection of a new pope, anticipated to take place in early May with a notable gathering of 135 cardinals.