Pope Francis asleep in prayer and love

Crowds line up to visit Pope Francis’ tomb in Rome as his last resting place opens to the public On Sunday, crowds of mourners lined up to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who was laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome — a place deeply close to his heart. The simple marble tomb, marked only with the word “Franciscus” and adorned with a single white rose, reflects the late pope’s humble wishes for a modest burial. The marble was specially chosen from Liguria, the region of his grandparents' heritage. Breaking with centuries of tradition, Pope Francis chose to be buried outside Vatican City, becoming the first pontiff in over a hundred years to do so. His wooden coffin journeyed through the streets of Rome, passing by the Colosseum, as thousands wept and prayed. Santa Maria Maggiore held a special place in his life — it was where he prayed on his first full day as pope in 2013 and the first place he visited after his recent hospitalization. In December 2023, he shared his deep devotion to the basilica, expressing his wish to make it his final resting place. Now, in the soft light beneath a simple crucifix, Pope Francis rests in peace, surrounded by the prayers and love of the world he served so humbly.