Sun Apr 27 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Basilica of Saint Mary Major
**Rome, Italy** – Hundreds of thousands of mourners lined the streets of Rome today to pay their final respects to Pope Francis as his body was transported from St. Peter’s Basilica to its final resting place in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. A solemn Requiem Mass preceded the procession, which wound its way through the historic heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
The Pope’s remains were carried in a popemobile-turned-hearse, offering a poignant final view to the grieving public before being interred in a niche beside the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani in the Pauline Chapel. The burial rite, conducted according to ancient tradition by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, was brief but deeply moving, concluding at 1:30 PM.
Just a week prior, the Pope’s Good Friday meditations, which denounced the “economy of indifference” and called for an “economy of peace,” were read aloud at the Colosseum. This powerful message, reflecting the late Pope’s unwavering commitment to peace and social justice, resonated deeply with the vast crowds gathered today. The procession served as a final testament to his tireless advocacy and profound impact on the world.
First Piper 