By Victoria Cardiel
Rome Newsroom, Apr 27, 2025 / 21:29 pm
The six-kilometer journey that transported Pope Francis’ body from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Mary Major featured profound symbolism and emotion. Here are some of the more significant moments:
Departing through “the door of his home”
After the funeral Mass, pallbearers carried the coffin not through St. Peter’s Square but via the Perugino Door, steps from Casa Santa Marta — the Pope’s Vatican residence throughout his 12-year pontificate — from which he often “escaped” for surprise visits around Rome.
The Mexican popemobile as hearse
In a gesture rich with meaning, the coffin was transported in a white popemobile that Mexico had gifted to the Vatican in 2017 — a modified Dodge Ram that the pope used during his historic 2016 visit to the country. Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Mexico lasted six days, from Friday, February 12, to Wednesday, February 17, 2016, when he visited five Mexican cities.
From Vatican to Rome crossing the Tiber
The procession crossed the Tiber River via the Prince Amadeo of Savoy Bridge, symbolically marking the passage from Vatican City to Rome.
Experience a moment of profound connection with Pope Francis as he undertakes his final journey as the Bishop of Rome.
Emotional Farewell Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Amidst heartfelt applause, the procession moves gracefully along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a bustling artery of Rome. Thousands of faithful gather to bid their last farewell to the Argentine pontiff. The route also encompasses the iconic Piazza Venezia, the heart of Rome, before turning towards the Imperial Forums, bridging Francis’ pontificate with the rich history of the Eternal City.
Special Relationship with the Church of the Gesù
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff in history, shares a unique bond with the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the primary headquarters of the Society of Jesus. On July 31, 2013, the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, he led a concelebration at this church. Throughout his apostolic journeys outside Italy, he made it a point to connect with local Jesuits.
Emotional Moment at the Colosseum
Witness a poignant moment as the coffin passes by the majestic Roman Colosseum. As pope, Francis traditionally presided over the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, praying for peace and honoring Christian martyrs. Due to health concerns, he hadn’t been able to lead this prayer at the historic site since 2023.
Traversing Via Merulana for Corpus Christi
Follow the procession along Via Merulana, with the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the diocesan cathedral of Rome, in the backdrop, symbolizing Francis’ special connection to his role as Bishop of Rome.
Historically, Via Merulana serves as the route for Corpus Christi processions in Rome, dating back to Pope Gregory XIII’s establishment of this path for religious processions between the basilicas during the Jubilee of 1575.
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