Pope Francis chose materials from Liguria, Italy, for his tomb at St Mary Major Basilica to honor his family roots. The head of the basilica told TV viewers Francis wanted stone from his grandparents' home region. His simple grave shows just his name and a copy of his cross.
Francis will rest near the St Francis Altar between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel. The late pope asked for a plain wooden coffin with zinc inside rather than the fancy three-layer boxes that past popes used. His funeral will be Saturday morning at St Peter's Square.
The church will hold nine days of special masses after his death. These prayer services start at 5 p.m. daily except Sunday, when they move to the morning. Many people have visited his body since Tuesday. Church officials will seal his coffin Friday evening during a special service at St Peter's Basilica.
Francis will rest near the St Francis Altar between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel. The late pope asked for a plain wooden coffin with zinc inside rather than the fancy three-layer boxes that past popes used. His funeral will be Saturday morning at St Peter's Square.
The church will hold nine days of special masses after his death. These prayer services start at 5 p.m. daily except Sunday, when they move to the morning. Many people have visited his body since Tuesday. Church officials will seal his coffin Friday evening during a special service at St Peter's Basilica.
