As dawn breaks, the line is already long. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the rector who opens the Holy Door at 7 am, the entrance to the basilica where Pope Francis is buried, greets the first faithful, moves barriers, and gives instructions to his staff. His face shows surprise and a smile at the overwhelming affection for the Pontiff who chose Santa Maria Maggiore, in the heart of Esquilino, one of Rome’s most multicultural neighborhoods, as his final resting place.
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Pope Francis among the faithful visiting the tomb at S. Maria Maggiore
A coincidence that resonates so coherently with Francis’ style. By 2 pm, 30,000 people had already entered the basilica, and it is expected that this number could double by the end of the day. An ocean of families, religious, youths, scouts, from all over the world. The people of Esquilino welcome Francis, pleased with their distinguished neighbor who will make this area a must-visit destination for believers and non-believers alike. “His tomb is as simple as he was,” says Maria, who came with her husband and daughter from Agrigento.
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Pope Francis, the faithful parade in front of the tomb at S. Maria Maggiore
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Private burial at Santa Maria Maggiore, incense and seals (ANSA)
The stream of people continues throughout the day, even when, in the afternoon, around a hundred cardinals arrive for their homage and the recitation of Vespers. “I pray that the Lord has mercy on us and sends us a Pope as good as him,” comments Irish cardinal Sean Baptist Brady. Then there are the voices of the people. “A great emotion,” says Florentine, who lives in Grenoble, France, but was born in Benin. There’s Roberto, a Roman atheist: “I’m here because one of his quotes always struck me: ‘It is better to live as an atheist than to live as a Christian and speak ill of others’.” “He was the best Pope the poor could have, as evidenced by the fact that he is buried here and not in St. Peter’s,” says Sinika, who came from Finland and wears a t-shirt with Bergoglio’s portrait. Francis leaves behind a diverse legacy, and on the hill near Termini Station, you can see it firsthand: his portrait displayed in a shop window between a supermarket and a department store entrance. Above, there’s a pink, somewhat awkward building with a banner hanging from window to window saying “Thank you, Francesco.” But it’s the same Pope whom, inside the basilica, they dedicate masses and solemn chants to, with the liturgy meticulously curated down to the last detail. The lines last for hours, and in front of the tomb, one can only pause for a few seconds. This morning, at one point, the basilica was so full that an announcement had to be made from the altar microphones to allow for Sunday Mass to proceed. Those who had visited the Pope had to either sit for Mass or leave to make space for others.
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‘Refers to the feminine dimension of his spirituality’ (ANSA)
This long procession will last until 10 pm and then resume tomorrow morning at 7 am. “We are considering how to organize what promises to be a significant influx in the coming weeks and months. Both as a municipality, we will make a more structured plan; on Wednesday, we will have a meeting at the Prefecture,” assures Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. The tomb of “Franciscus,” the only inscription he wanted on his tombstone, is adorned with a white rose. Many enter with the same flower in hand. It was the means by which Santa Teresina – as Bergoglio recounted when he was still a cardinal in Buenos Aires – spoke to him. And now it’s the flower through which people express their remembrance and gratitude.
Agenzia ANSA“Prepare your tomb,” the Madonna spoke to Francesco – From saying goodbye to Francesco to the new Pope – Ansa.it
Makrickas: “She said, ‘glad Mary didn’t forget me'” (ANSA)
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