Pope Francis' Coffin Entombment at Basilica of St. Mary Major

Final Resting Place and Symbolic Location

• 📍 Pope Francis' coffin has been carried into the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome for his final entombment.
• 🏛️ This basilica is significant as Pope Francis visited it over a hundred times, even sneaking out on his first day as pope to pray there.
• 🕊️ The basilica is described as the largest and oldest Marian church, a place Pope Francis deeply loved and where he will be laid to rest in a simple tomb.

Pope Francis' Connection to the People

• 💖 The Pope's affinity for the word "people" (or "popolo") is highlighted, emphasizing his focus on community and the common person.
• ✊ His political and social focus on economic justice for the poor is noted as a core aspect of his papacy.
• 🤝 He is remembered for welcoming diverse groups, including the homeless, immigrants, and the LGBT community, reflecting his belief that encountering anyone in love teaches us about God.

Devotion to Mary and Humility in Liturgy

• 📿 Pope Francis had a deep devotion to Mary, particularly to Our Lady of Knots, a symbol he connected with untying life's difficulties.
• ✝️ His personal piety was simple and shared with the people, encouraging devotions rather than remaining in intellectual spheres.
• 🕊️ He requested his funeral Mass be kept pastoral rather than as a sovereign, reflecting his characteristic humility.

Public Outpouring and Legacy

• 👏 The public's response has been marked by applause, joy, and reverence, demonstrating an outpouring of support and love for the late Pope.
• 🙏 The phrase "Gratia Francesco" (Thank you, Francis) is displayed, signifying the gratitude felt by many.
• 📖 His first encyclical, "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel), encapsulates the spirit of joy that is being experienced even in this moment of farewell.
• 🌍 The devotion to the Virgin Mary connects Pope Francis to his Latin American roots, recalling his emotional visit to the shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil.