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20h ago

Thousands Visit Pope Francis’s Tomb as Cardinals Prepare for Conclave

On the second day of mourning, the late pope's burial site opened to the public while cardinals plan to set a date for the papal election.

A white rose is placed on Pope Francis' tomb in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Hundreds of people waited in line to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis.
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
Faithful attend Mass following the funeral for Pope Francis, as seen from Rome, Italy April 27, 2025. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem

Overview

  • Pope Francis’s tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica opened to the public, drawing large crowds to honor the late pontiff's legacy.
  • A special Mass led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin in St. Peter’s Square attracted an estimated 200,000 attendees on Sunday morning.
  • Cardinals under 80 will meet Monday to decide the date for the conclave, expected to begin shortly after the nine-day mourning period ends on May 4.
  • The conclave will involve 135 eligible cardinals casting up to four votes per day until a two-thirds majority elects the next pope.
  • Francis’s decision to be buried outside the Vatican reflects his commitment to humility and simplicity, marking the first such burial in over a century.