The church, established in the 4th century and one of Rome's major basilicas, became a significant emotional anchor for the late pope. His decision to be buried there reflects both his personal journey and the profound connection he felt with the site, drawing many mourners and pilgrims looking to pay their respects.
**Pope Francis's Final Resting Place: A Tribute to His Devotion at Santa Maria Maggiore**
**Pope Francis's Final Resting Place: A Tribute to His Devotion at Santa Maria Maggiore**
Pope Francis, who made numerous pilgrimages to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore throughout his papacy, will be laid to rest at this basilica, honoring his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary.
As the world remembers Pope Francis, thousands are flocking to Santa Maria Maggiore, marking a poignant intersection of faith, history, and devotion that characterized his papacy.
Every time Pope Francis returned from his travels, he paid dedication to Santa Maria Maggiore, indicating a deep-seated reverence for the Virgin Mary, the church's patron. Built in the 4th Century, this basilica is the first dedicated to her, making it a fitting site for his final resting place.
Nestled near Rome's iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Santa Maria Maggiore stands amidst the vibrant life of the Esquilino neighborhood, in stark contrast to St. Peter's Square, where most Popes are typically buried. Yet, the beauty of its chapels and age-old mosaics embodies the rich spiritual history that attracted Pope Francis.
An account shared by the senior priest of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rolandas Makrickas, illustrates how the Pope expressed his wish to be buried there after an earlier conversation. After hesitating about tradition, Francis felt a divine nudge, professing that the Virgin Mary had instructed him to select his burial site. The designated spot is conveniently located adjacent to an icon of Mary that resonated deeply with him.
As news of Francis’s death spread, thousands have converged at the basilica to pay tribute. The atmosphere is charged with emotion, as visitors like Pat from Manchester reflect on the significance of the location in relation to the Pope's life. Many appreciate the church's serene ambiance, capturing the essence of what Santa Maria Maggiore stands for.
In the days leading up to his burial, the basilica has welcomed a continuous stream of visitors seeking solace and connection to the late Pope. Amidst the hustle of Rome, devoted Catholics are maintaining the spiritual legacy of Pope Francis at enchanting Santa Maria Maggiore. The memorial services will culminate in his final journey from the Vatican to this cherished site, allowing followers to collectively bid farewell.
As Pope Francis makes this poignant transition, Santa Maria Maggiore will proudly house his spirit, preserving the unique relationship he fostered with the church and its sacred ambiance. Visitors will continue to arrive, cherishing the lasting impact Francis had and will continue to have on the Catholic faith and the world.
Every time Pope Francis returned from his travels, he paid dedication to Santa Maria Maggiore, indicating a deep-seated reverence for the Virgin Mary, the church's patron. Built in the 4th Century, this basilica is the first dedicated to her, making it a fitting site for his final resting place.
Nestled near Rome's iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Santa Maria Maggiore stands amidst the vibrant life of the Esquilino neighborhood, in stark contrast to St. Peter's Square, where most Popes are typically buried. Yet, the beauty of its chapels and age-old mosaics embodies the rich spiritual history that attracted Pope Francis.
An account shared by the senior priest of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rolandas Makrickas, illustrates how the Pope expressed his wish to be buried there after an earlier conversation. After hesitating about tradition, Francis felt a divine nudge, professing that the Virgin Mary had instructed him to select his burial site. The designated spot is conveniently located adjacent to an icon of Mary that resonated deeply with him.
As news of Francis’s death spread, thousands have converged at the basilica to pay tribute. The atmosphere is charged with emotion, as visitors like Pat from Manchester reflect on the significance of the location in relation to the Pope's life. Many appreciate the church's serene ambiance, capturing the essence of what Santa Maria Maggiore stands for.
In the days leading up to his burial, the basilica has welcomed a continuous stream of visitors seeking solace and connection to the late Pope. Amidst the hustle of Rome, devoted Catholics are maintaining the spiritual legacy of Pope Francis at enchanting Santa Maria Maggiore. The memorial services will culminate in his final journey from the Vatican to this cherished site, allowing followers to collectively bid farewell.
As Pope Francis makes this poignant transition, Santa Maria Maggiore will proudly house his spirit, preserving the unique relationship he fostered with the church and its sacred ambiance. Visitors will continue to arrive, cherishing the lasting impact Francis had and will continue to have on the Catholic faith and the world.
