Pope’s tomb (photos) as faithful begin to visit St. Mary Major

On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Holy See released photos of Pope Francis' tomb. The Argentine pontiff was buried yesterday afternoon in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The brief ceremony took place behind closed doors, attended by a small group of people and presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

According to Pope Francis' last wishes, his tomb is “simple, without any special decorations, and with only the inscription: Franciscus.”

The cross over his tomb is a replica of the one he wore, which depicts Christ as Good Shepherd, carrying a lamb on his shoulders.

This morning, the faithful are already flocking to Francis' tomb. Yesterday, approximately 400,000 faithful attended the Pope's funeral and the transfer of his coffin from St. Peter's Basilica to St. Mary Major.

This morning, the doors of St. Mary Major opened at 7 a.m., and 13,000 people had entered by noon. A very long queue stretched outside the basilica at midday.

This afternoon at 4 p.m., the cardinals will visit the tomb of Pope Francis in St. Mary Major Basilica together. Nearly all the cardinals are in Rome now, as most of them concelebrated the funeral Mass with the dean of the college, Cardinal Giovanni Re.

The cardinals will pass through the Holy Door, visit the tomb of Francis, and then the chapel where the Salus Populi Romani icon is displayed. They will then pray Vespers (evening prayer) together.

See a video of the burial rite here.