Pope Francis laid to rest at historic Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Abdullateef Fowewe

After a solemn funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica and a procession through Rome witnessed by 150,000 mourners, Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, marking the first papal burial outside the Vatican in over a century.

The pope’s coffin was placed in a simple tomb between the Pauline Chapel-home to the revered icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani, to whom Francis had a deep devotion-and the Sforza Chapel, fulfilling his wishes for a humble resting place, Dailyeconomy gathered.

The burial rite, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, concluded the pontiff’s final earthly journey, reflecting his lifelong humility and commitment to peace and the poor.

World leaders, including Presidents Trump, Biden and the Senate President of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio attended the funeral, underscoring the global impact of Francis’ 12-year papacy.

Dailyeconomy reports that President Bola Tinubu sent the five-member delegation, led by Akpabio, which also includes the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

The delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican.