Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church for over 12 years, left an indelible mark on the world with his unwavering commitment to compassion, justice, and outreach. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he became the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to hold the office. His Papacy was characterised by a strong focus on serving the poor and marginalised, promoting peace, mercy, ecumenical dialogue and advocating for environmental stewardship.
Final farewell: Pope Francis finds eternal rest in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica on Saturday, April 26, 2025, after a solemn funeral Mass attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners. His final resting place is a simple marble tombstone with his name etched in Latin – Franciscus, accompanied by a white rose, symbolising his devotion to Saint Therese of Lisieux. The basilica, serves a perfect resting place for Pope Francis, given his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
