APRIL 28, 2025 |
Photo – Pope Francis’ tomb – Courtesy Vatican Media
Roman Catholic faithful began visiting the tomb of Pope Francis on Sunday following the funeral on Saturday. Thousands of people filed past the simple white tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica.
A single white rose was placed on the tomb that said “Franciscus” – the pope’s name in Latin. A warm light shined over the tomb and a reproduction of the late pontiff’s pectoral cross on the wall above it.
People filed past, many making the Christian sign of the cross or snapping photos with their phones. Ushers kept the crowds moving to accommodate the thousands who flocked to the basilica to see the tomb, forming a long line outside.
Now the Church gets ready for the Conclave, a ritual that began in 1057 to elect a new Pope.
Wednesday, May 7, has been confirmed as the starting point for the ritual election to decide who will succeed Francis after his 12-year papacy. The voting will be held in the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.
