London and Rome – The Vatican released the photos of Pope Francis’s grave, which was buried on Saturday at Basilika St. Mary Major in Rome.
The release came Sunday morning, when the tomb was opened to be seen by the public. All cardinals in Rome, including those visiting for Francis’s funeral, are expected to visit the tomb to pay their respects on Sunday afternoon, according to the Vatican.
The view of Pope Francis’s grave, as released by the Vatican Media on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Vatican media
The cardinals are expected to pass through the holy door, visit the tomb, then continue to the chapel where Populi Romani salus, a picture of Virgin Mary, is displayed.
The view of the grave of Pope Francis, which was buried on Saturday, April 26, at Basilika Saint Mary Major in Rome, in a photo released on Sunday, April 27, 2025, by the Vatican Media.
Vatican media
Francis is reportedly praying before the Byzantine style icon from Madonna before and after every foreign journey for 12 years as a pope.
The loyal line to pay homage to the grave of Pope Francis in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Cecilia Fabiano/Lapresse via AP
Francis, who died last Monday at the age of 88, became the first pope buried outside the Vatican in more than a century. He was the first person buried in St. Mary Major in more than 300 years.