Pope Leo XIV visited the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on Saturday afternoon to pray at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, as reported by the Holy See Press Office.
The pontiff made this stop on his way back to the Vatican, after visiting the Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel, in Genazzano, on the outskirts of Rome, his first surprise outing after being elected Pope on Thursday.
How was Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Francis’ tomb?
Pope Leo XIV arrived at Santa Maria Maggiore by car and once inside the temple, he stopped to pray in front of the tomb of Pope Francis and the icon of the Virgin, Salus Populi Romani.
At 7:05 pm local time, after visiting hours had ended, the Pope arrived at the square of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where the faithful were getting ready to take their places for the evening Rosary prayer. Security blocked the entrances and a woman asked, “But who is coming?” “The Pope, ma’am!” they replied.
The black car appeared at the roundabout in front of the church, greeted by an ovation, applause, and shouts of “Leo, Leo.” After greeting those present, the pope entered through the side door.
According to Vatican News, Leo XIV went to the chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, where he paused for a moment in prayer and placed a bouquet of roses on the altar.
Next to him were Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, archpriest of St. Mary Major, and Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi. On his way out, the pope wanted to greet a group of nuns and some women and children. Then, he stopped in front of Francis’ tomb. The first gesture was to kneel down and place a white rose on the marble where his name is engraved: Franciscus.
In March 2013, after being elected pope, Francis’ first outing was to go pray at this Marian temple due to his “great devotion.”