Thousands of devoted followers gathered early Sunday at Rome’s Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major to honor Pope Francis, who passed away last Easter Monday. The basilica opened its doors at 7 am, but many had already queued outside since dawn. By midday, approximately 20,000 people had arrived at the basilica, with 13,000 having entered, according to local authorities.
Throughout the morning, several Eucharistic celebrations took place in the basilica’s side chapels, with a main mass held at 10 am at the central altar. Due to the large number of visitors, attendees were invited to offer brief prayers, pausing for only a few seconds in front of the pope’s tomb, positioned near the effigy of the Salus Populi Romani.
The tomb of Pope Francis is simple, illuminated by a warm light, and adorned solely with a reproduction of his pectoral cross. The Latin name “Francisus” is engraved on the pale marble, accompanied by a single white rose. Visitors can pay their respects until 7 pm on Sunday, with further opportunities throughout the official mourning period. Following this, a Conclave will be held to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church, which must begin by May 10, according to canon law.
Meanwhile, immense crowds continued to gather at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The Vatican press office reported that around 200,000 people filled the area from St Peter’s Square to Via della Conciliazione, extending from Piazza Pia to Piazza Risorgimento. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the former Secretary of State and a leading contender for the upcoming Conclave, presided over the solemn mass. Access to the square was closed at 10:30 am due to reaching capacity, with those unable to enter following the mass on jumbo screens in nearby piazzas.
In addition to those mourning Pope Francis, thousands of young pilgrims from across the globe gathered for the Jubilee of Teenagers. The three-day event, dedicated to youth, underwent adjustments, including the postponement of Carlo Acutis’s canonization, regarded as the first “millennial saint.” During the emotional mass in memory of Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin addressed the young attendees, expressing that the Pope would have cherished meeting them.
He noted the palpable Easter joy present in the square, particularly visible in the faces of the children and adolescents from around the world, including Europe, the United States, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Arab Emirates. Parolin extended a special greeting to the youth and their accompanying bishops and priests, aiming to convey the Church’s embrace and affection on behalf of Pope Francis, who would have wished to connect with them personally, drawing applause from the gathered crowd.
