Mourners Gather to Pay Respects to Pope Francis’s Tomb as Conclave Awaits

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, thousands of Roman Catholic faithful began visiting the tomb of Pope Francis located in St. Mary Major Basilica, just one day after his deeply attended funeral. An estimated 400,000 mourners, including global leaders, gathered to pay tribute to the late pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The crowds at his tomb were a testament to his profound impact as a reformer who highlighted issues concerning the poor and social justice. A single white rose adorned the simple tomb marked with 'Franciscus,' reflecting the humble nature of the pope revered for his approachability and empathy. Faithful visitors, like Rosario Correale, expressed ‘great emotion’ upon witnessing the site, noting that Pope Francis had left a significant mark on their lives. Many attendees felt nostalgia and trepidation as they pondered who would succeed him in leading the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a poignant mass in St. Peter’s Square, drawing about 200,000 attendees, including young people who were also in Rome for the postponed canonization ceremony of Carlo Acutis. Parolin urged attendees to remember Francis as a shepherd and guide. As discussions surround the conclave—expected to convene soon with a date expected between May 5 and May 10—anxiety amongst the faithful about the direction of the Church grew significantly. Cardinal Parolin, seen as a potential successor, emphasized the challenge ahead, indicating this transition is laden with responsibility and potential change for the Catholic Church. The emotional outpouring and crowds at St. Mary Major Basilica underscore the legacy of Pope Francis—who made substantial efforts towards inclusivity and humanitarian outreach. The question looms whether his successor will continue in his footsteps or steer the Church toward a more conservative doctrine, especially given the concerns voiced by some mourners about the future direction of the papacy. Cardinal Marx’s remarks about the need for a universal vision rather than a strictly conservative or progressive direction hint at the complexities the cardinals will face in choosing the next pope. The gathering crowds at the tomb and the spiritual reflection during the nine days of mourning signify an era of change for the Catholic Church as it navigates its path forward in a progressively complex global context, inviting diverse interpretations of faith and leadership.