Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday, as the Vatican released images of his open coffin.

A solemn procession and final resting place await Pope Francis. Tomorrow, the late Pope’s coffin will be carried to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects. Following the public viewing, Pope Francis will be interred in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome on Saturday.

St. Peter’s Basilica: A Symbol of Faith and History

This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the heart of Rome, stands as one of the largest religious structures globally. Its grandeur is undeniable, with a double colonnade and a circular piazza encompassing the structure, bordered by grand palaces and lush gardens. The basilica’s very foundation rests upon the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle, a deeply significant historical landmark. Centuries of architectural brilliance have shaped the basilica, with renowned Italian artists and architects – Donato Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Carlo Maderno – contributing their expertise to its construction. The magnificent edifice, completed in 1626, boasts remnants of the earlier basilica, founded by Constantine in the 4th century, hidden beneath its majestic present form.

The Basilica of St. Mary Major: A Symbol of Papal Devotion

Also designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, a significant destination for Pope Francis since his election in 2013. Just hours after assuming the papacy, Francis traveled to the basilica to pray before the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People) statue, a powerful symbol within the Catholic world. This basilica held a special significance for Francis, as he would often visit before undertaking journeys outside of Rome, and upon returning to the Vatican. A unique distinction awaits Pope Francis – he will be the first pontiff buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major since 1669. Seven other popes find eternal rest within its hallowed walls.

A Testament to Faith: A Flow of Mourners

A palpable sense of reverence and anticipation permeates the air around the Basilica of St. Mary Major, as a steady stream of mourners, many visibly emotional, makes its way through the church. The significant influx of visitors prompted the deployment of barriers extending down the surrounding streets, a clear indication of the outpouring of grief and the anticipation of an even larger crowd in the upcoming days. Local authorities anticipate the influx of visitors to be so significant that they may need to close off the surrounding square entirely. A law enforcement official stated, expressing a sense of pride and quiet solemnity, that the increased presence of people is quite moving, and that he expects an even greater throng over the weekend. The presence of visitors underscores the remarkable impact Pope Francis had on the global community, and it confirms that his final resting place will be a testament to his significant place in history.