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Faithful Visit Pope Francis's Tomb as Cardinals Begin Conclave Preparations

On the second day of mourning, thousands honor the late pontiff at his modest tomb, while Church leaders plan the election of a new pope by May 10.

People queue outside the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), to visit the tomb of the late Pope Francis, in Rome, Italy, April 27, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco
Faithful line up to pay their respects to the tomb of Pope Francis inside St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
People queue to visit the tomb of the late Pope Francis in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), in Rome, Italy, April 27, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco
A woman holds a white rose as she waits in line to pay her respects to the tomb of Pope Francis inside St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Overview

  • Pope Francis's simple white tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica opened to the public on April 27, drawing visitors from around the world to pay their respects.
  • The nine-day official mourning period continues, honoring the late pontiff's legacy of humility, reform, and advocacy for the marginalized.
  • Cardinals in Rome have started preliminary discussions ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, which must begin by May 10.
  • The late pope's funeral on April 26 drew an estimated 250,000 attendees to St. Peter's Square and 150,000 more along the motorcade route, marking the first papal funeral procession in a century.
  • Over 160 international delegations, including heads of state and global leaders, attended the funeral, reflecting Pope Francis's worldwide influence.