Pope Francis was buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday, April 26, after a funeral procession through Rome.
The pope’s coffin was transported in a popemobile-style pickup truck, passing through iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Thousands Pay Final Respects
An estimated 150,000 people lined Rome’s streets to wave goodbye to Pope Francis’ coffin, while around 250,000 people attended the funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Private Burial Ceremony
The burial rite was carried out in a private ceremony, with prayer intercessions, chanting of the Our Father, and recitation of prayers in Latin. Cardinal Kevin Farrell sprinkled the coffin with holy water as the Marian antiphon “Regina Caeli” was sung.
Tomb Location
Pope Francis’ tomb is located in a niche of the left-side aisle of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, near an altar dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.
Mourning Period
The Catholic Church begins a nine-day mourning period, known as the “novendiales,” with daily Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
The College of Cardinals will meet to discuss the future of the Church and the qualities needed in her next leader, leading up to a conclave expected to begin in early May.