The mourning processions of believers around the world show no signs of waning even after the funeral mass for Pope Francis has concluded. The day after the funeral mass, on the 27th (local time), the pope's tomb was opened to the public for the first time at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy.
According to the Vatican, more than 30,000 believers visited the tomb to pay their respects on that day. Italian daily La Repubblica reported that worshippers began lining up early in the morning, leading to long queues where they had to wait an average of over two hours to pay their respects. The visitors honored Pope Francis by making the sign of the cross or taking photos with their mobile phones at the tomb.
The exposed tomb had a modest appearance. Only the name 'Franciscus' was engraved in Latin, and a white rose along with a replica of the iron cross that he wore during his lifetime was hung on the wall above the tomb. The Associated Press reported that soft light gently illuminated the tomb and the cross, creating a calm atmosphere.
The tomb is open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on that day at 4 p.m., cardinals separately paid their respects at the pope's tomb.
Pope Francis' coffin was transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for a private burial following the funeral mass held the previous day at St. Peter's Square, rather than being buried in the traditional cemetery of St. Peter's Basilica. He chose this location, which he frequently visited and held a special affection for, as his final resting place, having reportedly prayed there more than 100 times during his lifetime.
About 250,000 people attended the funeral mass in person the previous day, and 150,000 followed the funeral procession through Rome, seeing the pope off on his final journey. Heads of state from various countries and approximately 220 cardinals, along with numerous believers, gathered to honor the pope's life.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized that 'bridges must be built, not walls' and has put this belief into action. Chief Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re quoted this statement during the funeral mass the day before, honoring the pope's spirit.
The nine-day mourning period (Novenali) to honor the pope will continue until May 4, and it is expected that a conclave (closed meeting of the cardinals) to elect the next pope will be held between May 6 and 11. The conclave will be convened within 15 to 20 days after the pope's passing.