Pope Francis buried: How to visit his simple grave!

Pope Francis buried: How to visit his simple grave!

Piazza del Esquillino, 00185 Rom, Italien - On April 26, 2025, Pope Francis was buried in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. During his lifetime, the Pope had expressed the desire to be buried outside the Vatican, which underlines his decision for this important Marienkirche. Santa Maria Maggiore is not only one of the most magnificent Marienkirchen in the city, but also one of the central religious landmarks of Rome. The basilica is located on the Piazza del Esquillino, about 600 meters from Roma Stazione di Rome Termini and 1.3 kilometers from the Colosseum. Entry to the basilica is free, while guided tours have to be booked in advance.

In honor of the late Pope, numerous pilgrims gathered on St. Peter's Square and in the area, including a group of 109 young people from Italy who took part in the funeral service. This group woke up at 5:30 a.m. to secure a place, but only found space in the basilica. During the ceremony, a rosary prayer was transferred from St. Peter's Square via large screens. Since the death of Pope Francis, he has been prayed for him every evening in Santa Maria Maggiore.

The grave of the Pope

The tomb of Pope Francis is located in a niche next to the chapel with the “Salus Populi Romani”. It consists of white marble from Liguria and is being overwhelmed by a replica of his chest cross. The inscription on the simple grave is simply "Franciscus", according to the last wishes of the Pope. From April 27, 2025, believers have the opportunity to visit the grave.

The Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore has a long history and is already the resting place for seven popes, including Nikolaus IV. And Clemens IX. This historical church is therefore a place in which tradition and belief are in a special way. Pope Francis prayed more than 100 times in front of the Marien icon in Santa Maria Maggiore and had an intimate relation to this place, which he often visited after his election and before and after international trips.

preparation for the conclave

An important aspect of the period after the funeral is the upcoming choice of a new Pope. The Sistine chapel in St. Peter's Basilica will be closed to tourists from April 28, 2025 to prepare for the conclave, which will take place on May 5, 2025 at the earliest. These developments are of greater importance because the death of Pope Francis initiates a new era in the Catholic Church. This time of the transition bears both the load of the loss and the hope of a new tour.

The last burial of a Pope in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore shows the meaning of this church not only in the history of the Vatican, but also as a place of faith and commemoration in the Catholic community. The farewell to Francis is a tribute to his decades of efforts to support the poor and the needy.

Overall, the burial of Pope Francis impressively shows the connection between his life's work and the history of the Roman church, which makes the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore an important goal for believers and pilgrims