Thousands of Catholic Faithful Honor Pope Francis as His Tomb Opens to the Public at Rome’s Iconic Basilica

VATICAN CITY — Visitors flocked to St. Mary Major Basilica on Sunday to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who had passed away just a day earlier. His simple white tomb drew crowds as many mourned the loss of this beloved leader.

A single white rose rested on the tomb, marked with “Franciscus” — the pope’s name in Latin. A soft light illuminated the area as people took turns visiting, some crossing themselves, while others took photos. Ushers guided the steady flow to accommodate the countless visitors waiting outside.

Elias Caravalhal, a local resident, expressed, “Pope Francis was an inspiration for me. I wanted to thank him for everything he did.” He had missed the opportunity to pay his respects while the pope was lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.

This marked just the second day of the official mourning period, which will last nine days. Following this, a conclave will take place to elect the next pope.

On the same day, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, held a special Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Parolin is viewed as a potential successor for the papacy due to his significant role within the church hierarchy.

During the Mass, attended by an estimated 200,000 people, Parolin reflected on grief and loss, comparing it to the sadness the apostles felt after Jesus’ death. Many young people, who had initially gathered in Rome for a different event, participated in the Mass, highlighting Francis’s impact on the youth.

The conclave to choose a new pope is anticipated to start between May 5 and May 10. Cardinals present in Rome for the funeral will commence meetings this week to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, which serves over 1.4 billion members worldwide.

Pope Francis chose his burial site in St. Mary Major Basilica, close to an icon of the Madonna that he held dear, reflecting his “humble and simple” lifestyle, according to the basilica’s archbishop.

Among the visitors, Susmidah Murphy from Kerala, India, said, “It’s hard to believe he’s no longer with us. We seldom see popes like him.” This sentiment echoes a broader appreciation for Francis’s unique approach and compassionate leadership, which resonated with many around the globe.

As we walk forward, the loss of this pope leaves a significant void, but it also opens the door to new leadership and vision for the future of the Catholic Church.

For more insights on the future of the Catholic Church, you can check resources like the [Vatican News](https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html) for updates and discussions.

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Pope Francis, Rome, Vatican City, Roman Catholicism, General news, Religion, Pietro Parolin, Elias Caravalhal, Funerals and memorial services, Carlo Acutis, World news