Pope Francis Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
In a solemn event attended by close friends and family, Pope Francis has been laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica following a touching funeral Mass held at the Vatican. The late pontiff’s entombment took place after a public farewell at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands, including prominent world leaders and royalty, gathered to honor his memory.
As crowds filled the streets, mourners lined the route to witness the transportation of the pope’s coffin from the Vatican to its final resting place, a historic departure as he is the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside of Vatican City.
During the funeral service, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re paid tribute to Pope Francis, stating that the pontiff “touched minds and hearts” and had a vision of “building bridges, not walls.” Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, entering a coma, and ultimately experiencing heart failure.
In accordance with his wishes expressed in his spiritual testament, the Pope was interred at the Pauline Chapel within Santa Maria Maggiore, a location that houses the revered icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani. His passing was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.
In the months leading to his death, the Pope had been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for pneumonia affecting both lungs, but reports indicated that his condition had improved prior to his return home. Sadly, his health declined, leading to his final moments on Easter Monday.
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