Vatican City – Mourning for Pope Francis Begins
On Sunday, the faithful gathered to pay their respects at the tomb of Pope Francis, located in St. Mary Major Basilica. This somber occasion followed a day of farewell attended by world leaders and hundreds of thousands of mourners.
A simple white rose marked the tomb, carrying the name "Franciscus" in Latin. Gentle lighting illuminated the tomb alongside a replica of the late pope’s pectoral cross displayed on the wall above it. As visitors moved through the basilica, many crossed themselves or captured memories with their phones, while ushers urged them to keep the line flowing for the throngs of attendees.
Elias Caravalhal, who lives in Rome, described Pope Francis as an "inspiration" and a "guide." He shared that he missed the opportunity to pay his respects during the body’s time in St. Peter’s Basilica and came to the tomb to express his gratitude for the pope’s contributions.
This marked the second day of nine days of official mourning for Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Following this period, a conclave will convene to elect his successor.
A special Mass was held in St. Peter’s Square led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. His leadership positions suggest he could be a contender for the next pope.
Although no date has been set for the conclave, it is required to occur by May 10. Cardinals who attended the funeral are meeting this week to discuss the future direction of the Catholic Church, which serves approximately 1.4 billion followers worldwide.
The late pope selected his burial site in St. Mary Major Basilica, honoring a cherished icon of the Madonna that reflected his humble way of life. Many of those visiting the tomb, like Susmidah Murphy from India, expressed deep sadness over the pope’s passing, noting that he was a rare and uplifting figure in today’s world.
