After the public funeral, Pope Francis was laid to rest during a private burial ceremony. True to his wishes, he was not buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica like many of his predecessors. Instead, his final resting place is at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, about six kilometers away from St. Peter’s Square. It was a choice that reflected the pope’s lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for simplicity over grandeur.

The photos from his burial site reveal a tomb that is modest yet serene. A simple white stone marks the grave, with only the Latin inscription “Franciscus” etched into it. A single white rose rests atop the tomb, and a soft, warm light bathes the space in a peaceful glow. Above the grave, a reproduction of Pope Francis’ pectoral cross hangs quietly