First pics of Pope Francis' tomb released after private burial

Photos of Pope Francis’ final resting place have been shared following his funeral.

Francis, who led the Catholic Church for over a decade, passed away peacefully at Saint Martha House in Vatican City on Monday at the age of 88.

Announcing the news, Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell issued an emotional statement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”

He continued: “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Triune.”

Following a massive public funeral in Rome, attended by around 250,000 people, Pope Francis was laid to rest in a private ceremony.

Unlike most popes who are traditionally buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Francis had specifically requested a different resting place: the Basilica of St. Mary Major, located about six kilometers from St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis' tomb in a niche in the Basilica of St. Mary Major can now be visited by the faithful, as the Church commemorates the late Pope with the second day of the Novemdiales, or 'nine days' of mourning. pic.twitter.com/AyhukxUtmV
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 27, 2025

Since the burial, mourners have begun visiting the simple white tomb, quietly paying their respects. A single white rose rests on the grave, marked only by the Latin inscription “Franciscus.” A warm light glows over the tomb, and a reproduction of the late pope’s pectoral cross hangs on the wall above it.

The simplicity of the tomb was deliberate. According to PBS News, Francis wanted his final resting place to reflect the humility he strived to embody throughout his life.

Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, speaking back in 2022, recalled that Francis had insisted the focus should remain on the Virgin Mary, to whom the basilica is dedicated, not on the tomb of a pope.