Pope Francis finally laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica
Pope Francis has been laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica following a funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The private entombment allowed close associates to pay their final respects after thousands, including world leaders and monarchs, attended the funeral.
The Pope’s coffin was transported through streets lined with mourners to his final resting place, fulfilling his wish to be buried in the Pauline Chapel, home to the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, coma, and heart failure, is the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
During the funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised him for building bridges and touching hearts.
The Vatican had earlier reported that Pope Francis was recovering from pneumonia before his sudden decline.
