Rome, Italy – Pope Francis, the 266th successor of St. Peter, was laid to rest today in a moving and historic ceremony, becoming the first Pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
His final resting place is the side aisle of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in central Rome, nestled between the Pauline Chapel—home to his beloved icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani—and the Sforza Chapel.
The entombment marked the conclusion of a day of profound mourning and solemn reverence, attended by hundreds of thousands of faithful who lined the streets of Rome to bid a last farewell to a Pontiff renowned for his humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the marginalised.
A Solemn Procession
Following a poignant Requiem Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis’ coffin was borne aboard the popemobile through the streets of Rome. As it approached the Basilica of St. Mary Major—an ancient church deeply cherished by the late Pope—the crowds erupted in spontaneous prayers and hymns. T
The procession paused briefly before the ancient icon of Salus Populi Romani, to which Francis had entrusted so many of his apostolic journeys and prayers for humanity.
The Funeral Rites
The burial ceremony inside the Basilica was a private affair, attended by senior members of the clergy, Vatican officials, and a few close companions of the late Pope.
The rite began with the chanting of four psalms, each reflecting the themes of mercy, hope, and eternal life that had shaped Francis’ pontificate. Five intercessory prayers were then offered, seeking God’s embrace for the departed Pontiff.
The Our Father was sung in unison before the final prayer was intoned, evoking a deep sense of unity among those present.
In a moment steeped in tradition, the sigils of the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Roman Pontiff, and the Liberian Chapter were imprinted on the wooden coffin, sealing the official recognition of the Pope’s passing.
The coffin was then gently placed into the tomb. As holy water was sprinkled over it, the ancient Marian hymn Regina Caeli resounded through the basilica’s marble halls, lifting prayers heavenward.
The final formality came as the notary of the Liberian Chapter read aloud the official act certifying the burial. This document was then signed by Cardinal Farrell, the Regent of the Papal Household, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, and Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations. With that, Pope Francis’ earthly journey came to a close.
Scenes of Farewell
Earlier, St. Peter’s Square had witnessed an extraordinary gathering for the Requiem Mass. Over a quarter of a million people—pilgrims, priests, nuns, world leaders, and ordinary citizens—gathered under overcast skies to mourn and remember.
The Solemn Requiem Mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, surrounded by around 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, consecrated religious, and lay faithful.
In his homily, Cardinal Re reflected on the defining features of Pope Francis’ twelve-year pontificate—his closeness to the people, his pastoral spontaneity, and his fearless commitment to building “a Church that is poor and for the poor.” He described Francis as a shepherd who “walked with his people,” never seeking elevation but always accompaniment.
As the Mass concluded with the final valediction, the atmosphere was thick with emotion. Many openly wept as the simple, unadorned coffin was carried out of St. Peter’s Basilica, draped in the white and gold papal flag.
A Historic Departure
Pope Francis’ decision to be buried at St. Mary Major had been made known privately before his death. His devotion to the Basilica—often stopping there before and after major trips abroad—was widely known.
Choosing to rest beside Salus Populi Romani is a testament to the Marian devotion that characterised his spiritual life and his belief in entrusting the Church to the Mother of God. The Pope is the first in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican, and his entombment was a private event, allowing for those closest to him to pay their respects.
With his burial outside the Vatican, Francis joins a rare group of Popes who chose to be laid to rest among the people, outside the traditional confines of the Apostolic Palace and its crypts. It is a final gesture in line with the simplicity, humility, and humanity that defined his papacy.
Today, Rome wept, prayed, and sang for the man who had once said, “Pray for me.” Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets to watch as his coffin was brought from the Vatican to the Basilica. And in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, under the gentle gaze of Mary, Pope Francis rests.
