Select Language:
Sure! Here’s a rephrased and unique version of the content in American English:
—
### ROME: Crowds Gather to Pay Respects at Pope Francis’ Tomb
On Sunday, tens of thousands flooded into the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome to view the tomb of the late Pope Francis, marking a significant departure from tradition as he chose to be buried outside the Vatican.
For over a century, no pope had been interred away from the Vatican, but Francis opted for burial in Santa Maria Maggiore, situated in one of the most diverse neighborhoods of the Italian capital. His casket was moved there on Saturday following a funeral Mass held in St. Peter’s Square, where around 150,000 mourners lined the streets to bid farewell.
The simple marble tomb is located in a side aisle of the basilica and bears only his name, “Franciscus,” inscribed in Latin. Above the niche hangs a replica of the humble cross that he wore throughout his life.
Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska expressed her thoughts after visiting the site: “This feels like the perfect resting place for the Pope. He was a man of simplicity, and his final resting place reflects that.”
People began lining up long before the basilica opened its doors at 7:00 AM (0500 GMT), and once the doors were opened, the church quickly filled with visitors. Authorities encouraged individuals to exit after paying their respects, as many more were waiting outside. Within six hours, approximately 30,000 had visited the site, according to Vatican estimates.
As tourists exited around lunchtime, many shared that they had waited over two hours to enter and only had a brief moment inside the basilica.
In the afternoon, hundreds of cardinals gathered in the church for prayers. Founded in 432, Santa Maria Maggiore is the only basilica in Rome that retains its early Christian structure, despite numerous later modifications.
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, held a deep appreciation for this basilica due to his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He consistently prayed there before and after each international trip.
Near the tomb rests a revered Byzantine icon of Mary within the Pauline Chapel. A vase filled with golden roses, donated by Francis in 2023, is placed among candlesticks below the icon. His last visit to the chapel occurred on April 12, when he arrived with a bouquet of white roses.
A single white rose was laid atop his tomb as a tribute.
Sharing his sentiments, Rome resident Carmelo Lamurra remarked, “There’s so much emotion. He was a figure who connected with everyone, and we honor him for all he has done, each in our unique way. Thank you.”
—
Feel free to use this content as needed!
Add us on ChatGPT
Add us on Perplexity
