The remains of Pope Francis now rest in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, following the express wish of the Roman Pontiff himself. After the Funeral Mass, which took place today, April 26, in Saint Peter’s Square, the Popemobile carrying the coffin made its way through the applauding crowds toward the Marian basilica, where the funeral procession was received by a group of needy and homeless individuals.
Immediately afterward, the Rite of Burial was held according to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo.
Thus, the Holy Father’s tomb has been placed in the nave of Saint Mary Major, between the Pauline Chapel — where the image of the Salus Populi Romani is kept — and the Sforza Chapel, near the Chapel of Saint Francis.
The tomb was crafted from marble sourced from the Liguria region of Italy and bears a single inscription: “FRANCISCUS,” along with a depiction of his pectoral cross, the Cross of the Good Shepherd.
Nine days of mourning for the Holy Father
The “Novendiali” is a period of nine days of mourning that follows the death of a Pope. During these nine consecutive days after the pontiff’s death, Eucharistic celebrations are held for the repose of the soul of the deceased Roman Pontiff, beginning with the funeral Mass.
These celebrations are open to everyone. However, a different group participates each day, based on their connection to the Roman Pontiff. This diversity of assemblies reflects, in a certain way, both the breadth of the supreme Pastor’s ministry and the universality of the Church of Rome.
The celebrations in suffrage for Pope Francis will continue as follows:
2nd day: Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m., on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica: employees and faithful of Vatican City.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Secretary of State.
3rd day: Monday, April 28, at 5:00 p.m., in Saint Peter’s Basilica: the Church of Rome.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome.
4th day: Tuesday, April 29, at 5:00 p.m., in Saint Peter’s Basilica: the Chapters of the Papal Basilicas.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.
5th day: Wednesday, April 30, at 5:00 p.m., in Saint Peter’s Basilica: the Papal Chapel.
The Mass will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals.
6th day: Thursday, May 1, at 5:00 p.m., in Saint Peter’s Basilica: the Roman Curia.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, former Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
7th day: Friday, May 2, at 5:00 p.m., in Saint Peter’s Basilica: the Eastern Churches.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, former Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
8th day: Saturday, May 3, at 5:00 p.m., in Saint Peter’s Basilica: members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, former Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
9th day: Sunday, May 4, at 5:00 p.m., in Saint Peter’s Basilica: the Papal Chapel.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals.
Photo: Vatican Media
