The day after Pope Francis’ burial in Rome was attended by heads of state, nobility, and hundreds of thousands of mourners, thousands of people lined up to visit his tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
As they walked passed the tomb, which was simply labeled Franciscus, many people crossed themselves and took photos on their phones.
“Pope Francis was an inspiration and a guide for me,” said Elias Caravalhal, a Rome resident who came to “thank him for what he has done.”
Susmidah Murphy, who was visiting the city from India, said: “It’s inconceivable that he is no longer with us. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have popes like this very often.” Numerous individuals grieving the passing of the late pope expressed concern over his potential successor.
Romina Cacciatore, 48, an Argentinian translator residing in Italy, expressed that Pope Francis has changed the Roman Catholic Church into “something more normal, more human.” I have concerns about what lies ahead.
Maria Simoni, 53, from Rome, expressed: “I hope we have another pope who can connect with people’s hearts as Francis does, someone who is close to every individual, regardless of who they are.”
Tatiana Alva, 49, from Peru, described Francis as “very kind and humble.” He communicated in a way that resonated with the youth.
A special mass took place on Sunday morning in St Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, who is favored by bookmakers to succeed Francis. According to the Vatican, approximately 200,000 individuals were in attendance.
Over 220 cardinals are set to convene at the Vatican on Monday morning to determine the start date for the conclave tasked with electing the next pope.
Only cardinals who are under 80 years old – a total of 135 – can participate in the conclave, which will commence its discussions following nine days of official mourning for Francis.
Jean-Claude Hollerich, a cardinal from Luxembourg, has indicated that he anticipates the conclave will commence within a day or two following the conclusion of the mourning period on 4 May. It should commence by 10 May.
On Saturday, German cardinal Reinhard Marx stated that the conclave would only last “a few days.”
The cardinal-electors, approximately 80% of whom were appointed by Francis, will cast four votes each day until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority. The announcement of a chosen successor will be signaled by the release of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals were anticipated to honor Francis at his tomb located in Santa Maria Maggiore on Sunday.
