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A warm welcome
At dawn, the queue to enter the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is already visibly growing. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, rector of the basilica, opens the doors at 7, greeted by an atmosphere of wonder and joy. The Basilica, chosen as the final resting place of Pope Francis, is transformed into a place of pilgrimage for thousands of faithful.
The presence of so many people, coming from every corner of the world, testifies to the affection and devotion towards the Pontiff, who has left an indelible mark on the history of the Church.
An unprecedented influx
By 14 p.m., 30.000 people had entered the basilica, and estimates suggest that number could double by the end of the day. Families, religious, young people, and scouts come together in one large community, eager to pay homage to Francis. The people of Esquilino, the neighborhood that hosts the basilica, are particularly proud to have such an illustrious neighbor, transforming the area into a must-see destination for everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Maria, a visitor from Agrigento, describes the Pope's tomb as "as simple as he was simple," emphasizing the humility that characterized Francis' life.
People's emotions
The afternoon continues to see an uninterrupted flow of visitors, including a hundred cardinals who join together to pay homage and recite Vespers. The words of one of them, Irish cardinal Sean Baptist Brady, resonate in the hearts of those present: “I pray that the Lord will have mercy on us and send us a Pope as good as he is.” The testimonies of the faithful are interwoven in a mosaic of emotions. Florentine, originally from Benin but living in Grenoble, expresses her emotion, while Roberto, a Roman atheist, recalls a phrase of Francis that struck him deeply. Sinika, who came from Finland, wears a T-shirt with a portrait of Bergoglio, saying that he was “the best Pope the poor could have.”
A lasting legacy
The figure of Francis lives on not only in the basilica, but also in the heart of the city. His portrait is displayed in a window between a supermarket and a department store, while a “Thank you Francis” banner hangs from a nearby building. The celebrations inside the basilica are cared for down to the smallest details, with masses and solemn songs that accompany visitors. The lines to access the tomb can last up to two hours, and the basilica is so full that it is necessary to notify those present to leave space for the celebrations. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, announces that work is being done to manage the significant influx of visitors expected in the coming days and months.
A symbol of love and gratitude
The tomb of “Franciscus,” the only inscription the Pope wanted on his tombstone, is adorned with a white rose, a symbol of love and gratitude. Many visitors enter the basilica with the same flower in their hands, a gesture that recalls the deep connection between Francis and his faithful. This floral tribute represents not only a memory, but also a thank you for the spiritual legacy left by the Pope, who always placed the most needy and vulnerable at the center of his mission.