In a deeply moving and historic ceremony, Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in central Rome, becoming the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
The Pope’s coffin was placed in the side aisle of the Basilica, between the revered Pauline Chapel — home to the cherished icon of Our Lady ‘Salus Populi Romani’ — and the Sforza Chapel. This location reflects his lifelong devotion to Our Lady and his close ties to the Roman faithful.
The burial rite began with the chanting of four psalms and five intercessions, followed by the Our Father. After the final prayer, sigils representing key Vatican offices — including those of Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Roman Pontiff, and the Liberian Chapter — were imprinted on the Pope’s coffin.
The coffin was then solemnly placed in the tomb. Holy water was sprinkled over it as the Regina Caeli hymn filled the Basilica. In a final formal act, the notary of the Liberian Chapter read the burial certificate aloud, which was then signed by Cardinal Farrell, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, and Archbishop Diego Ravelli.
While the entombment was a private event attended only by those closest to the late pontiff, the public’s devotion was undeniable. Hundreds of thousands lined the streets to witness the solemn procession as the Pope’s coffin made its way from the Vatican to the Basilica.
Pope Francis’ decision to be buried at St. Mary Major — a site he often visited throughout his papacy — marks a poignant end to a life defined by humility, compassion, and service.
