Vatican releases photos of burial of Pope Francis' coffin

Vatican Media released the photos of the burial of the coffin of Pope Francis in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore) that was initially kept private.

"At 1:00 pm the rite of burial of the coffin of the Roman Pontiff began," according to the statement from Vatican Media.

"The rite took place according to the prescriptions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, in the presence of those indicated in the relevant Notification of the Office of Liturgical Celebrations and of the relatives of the deceased Pope, and concluded at 1.30 pm."

There were no other details released about the rite of burial.

Reuters reported that Holy See Press Office on Monday released the testament prepared by the late Pontiff dated June 29, 2022, in which he asked to be buried in a simple, unadorned tomb inside his beloved Roman basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore.

"Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only as regards the place of my burial," wrote the pope.

"I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of the resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore," wrote the pope, who sought to visit the important Catholic sanctuary before and after every trip he took as pontiff.

In his will, Francis specified the exact spot in the side nave of the basilica for his tomb, even including an attached diagram for clarity, and said the burial expenses had been arranged in advance. — BAP, GMA Integrated News