Foreign media reports that the body of the late Pope Francis was buried yesterday (26) at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
In a departure from a century-old tradition, and in accordance with Pope Francis’s final request, his body was laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church representing 1.4 billion people, passed away early Monday (21) at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. He was 88 years old at the time of his passing.
“Pope Francis’ body laid to rest”
Pope Francis’s body was placed in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing since last Wednesday. Foreign reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of devotees came to pay their respects over the two days.
The public viewing concluded at 6 p.m. last Friday (25), after which his body was sealed in a ceremonial procedure during a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Diego Ravelli and Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
In keeping with tradition, several items, including the long cloak worn by the Pope during his lifetime, were placed with the body. Additionally, an official document containing records of the Pope’s life, known as “Rogito” in Italian, was sealed and placed with the body.
The funeral proceedings commenced yesterday (26) morning, local time, with the body being brought to the open area of St. Peter’s Square.
Foreign reports indicate that nearly two hundred thousand people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the simple and humble funeral Mass of Pope Francis.
Among those who attended the event were several heads of state, including US President Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron. Crown Prince William of Britain, former US President Joe Biden, and numerous other dignitaries were also present.
Representing the Sri Lankan government, Minister Vijitha Herath attended the event, while Catholic Members of Parliament, Kaveendra Jayawardhana and Hector Appuhamy.
The funeral Mass, lasting nearly two hours, was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Francis’s choice of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, located in a working-class neighbourhood near Rome’s main railway station, as his final resting place, reflects his compassion for the marginalized and overlooked members of society.
Ajith Weerasuriya
