It is the last time Pope Francis will enter this Basilica. Under the watchful gaze of thousands of faithful, the Pope's casket arrived at St. Mary Major.
It was a Basilica expressly chosen by Pope Francis and one that he held great affection for.
MARGARITA PANDURO TORREJÓN
He loved this basilica very much because he loved the Virgin, and he wanted to be buried there, to rest in the arms of the Virgin. How beautiful, what a beautiful example! I, too, must love the Virgin deeply, following the example of Saint Francis, our holy Pope Francis.
A few hours after Pope Francis' casket entered the Basilica, many people were still there while even more were arriving from St. Peter’s. All of them expressed the emotions they felt while waiting for and then witnessing the Pope’s procession to his final resting place.
Madison
Scotland
I feel just so connected to the religion, and the setting as whole and everyone here. We're all here for the same thing, to mourn to this amazing man who did so much for the religion and the people everywhere. He had so much love to give and he gave it.
It was an event that was expected to draw a large number of faithful. All of them made their affection for Pope Francis felt in the atmosphere — with flags, applause, and prayers.
ANONYMOUS
Paris, France
We have this image of the “Pope of the people,” a very gentle and sweet figure of the holy Pope, so no I wasn't surprised by any of the crowds at St. Peters' Basilica or here today.
On April 27, the Basilica will open as usual, and the faithful will be able to enter to visit Pope Francis' eternal resting place.
CRT / BAM
