Pope Francis has been laid to rest Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major after a funeral service at St. Peter’s Square.
The pontiff, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, was honored by leaders, dignitaries, and hundreds of thousands of mourners in Rome.
The funeral Mass was conducted in St. Peter’s Square and lasted two hours, with about 250,000 people gathered in and around the Vatican area.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William.
After the funeral service, Pope Francis’ coffin was transported through the streets of Rome in an old popemobile, accompanied by escort vehicles and police motorcycles.
The procession passed notable landmarks, including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, before arriving at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
About 150,000 people lined the streets to watch the convoy, waving flags and taking photographs as the coffin made its way through central Rome.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that in total, around 400,000 people participated in the funeral events across the city.
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At the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pope Francis was buried near the Salus Populi Romani icon, which he often visited during his papacy.
This burial outside the traditional papal tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica marked a break from custom, following the late pope’s expressed wishes.
Representatives of migrants, prisoners, and the homeless — groups Francis supported during his papacy — were present during the final rites at the basilica.
The Catholic Church has commenced the novendiales, a nine-day mourning period, during which daily Masses will be celebrated in the pope’s memory.
Preparations are underway for the conclave of cardinals, expected to take place in early May, to elect a new pope.
Crediblenewsng.com
