Thousands Visit Pope Francis' Tomb

Thousands of faithful have flocked to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, which opened its doors at 7:00 AM this Sunday, to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21. Visitors have been waiting for an average of an hour to enter the Basilica.

In fact, access to the Basilica was temporarily blocked around 10:30 AM as 'La Stampa' reported that the space was filled with "too many" people. Visitors who had already paid their respects were asked to leave quickly as "thousands are queuing outside to enter."

Pope Francis' tomb, located next to that of Honorius III, is crafted from marble from the Italian region of Liguria. It bears the inscription 'Franciscus' and features a reproduction of the Pontiff's pectoral cross. A white rose, symbolizing his connection to Teresa of Lisieux, rests on the marble slab.

The simple tomb is situated in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Liberian Basilica, near the Altar of St. Francis.

In the afternoon, at 4:00 PM, cardinals will visit the site, making a pilgrimage after passing through the Holy Door. The last entry to the Basilica will be allowed at 6:30 PM.

Pope Francis has been interred in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, not in the Vatican, as was his wish. His remains join those of seven other popes also buried there.

Regarding his reasons for wanting to be buried in this Marian basilica, one of the four major basilicas of Rome, the Pontiff explained it was due to his "great devotion." "Yes, because it is my great devotion, my great devotion. And before, when I came, I always went there on Sunday mornings when I was in Rome, I would spend some time there. There is a very strong connection," he emphasized. This past Saturday, the Pontiff arrived at the temple around 1:00 PM after the funeral mass held in the Vatican.