Pope Francis Buried At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica In Rome

Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday in one of his favorite churches in Rome after his funeral mass at St Peter’s Square.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who died on Monday, was buried during a short 30-minute ceremony at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, starting at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT).

Videos released by the Holy See showed cardinals sealing his wooden and zinc coffin with red wax.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican official temporarily in charge until a new pope is elected, sprinkled holy water over the coffin after it was lowered into the tomb.

Above the tomb hangs a replica of the pectoral cross Francis wore during his life.

Following the wishes he outlined in his will, Francis was buried near the altar of Saint Francis.

He requested a simple, unadorned tomb that reflects the modesty he lived by as pope.

The tombstone simply reads “Franciscus” — his name in Latin — and is made of marble from Liguria, the region where his Italian ancestors came from.

Born Jorge Bergoglio, Pope Francis had always shown great devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Before and after every international trip, he would stop at Santa Maria Maggiore to pray.

In 2023, he formally declared his wish to be buried there.

Santa Maria Maggiore, built around 432 AD, holds many important relics of the Catholic Church and has long been a significant site.

Though several popes are buried there, it had been centuries since the last, Pope Clement IX, was entombed there in 1669.

In more recent times, popes have usually been buried at St Peter’s Basilica.

The basilica also houses the remains of famous figures like Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the artist behind the design of St Peter’s Square.

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