In the final stage of his earthly journey, Pope Francis was entombed on Saturday in the papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a sign of his deep devotion to Mary and his desire to remain accessible to the people.
Some 150,000 people lined the streets to bid a final farewell as Pope Francis’s coffin was carried in an open popemobile during a historic procession from St Peter’s Basilica to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Described by veteran Vatican reporter and analyst Elisabetta Piqué as “the last surprise of a pope of surprises”, the popemobile was an unexpected addition to the funeral procession, as many had anticipated a dark hearse or similar vehicle to carry the coffin to its final resting place.
