Every time Pope Francis came back to Rome after a trip abroad, he made sure to pay a visit to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. It was a fitting choice: Francis was particularly devoted to the Virgin Mary, and Santa Maria Maggiore was the first church to be dedicated to her when it was built in the 4th Century. It is one of Rome's four major basilicas and one of the oldest in the city. On Saturday, it will also become Francis's final resting place. It is a short walk from some of Rome's most recognisable landmarks like the Colosseum, and a stone's throw from the city's endlessly bustling and chaotic central Termini station. The diverse Esquilino neighbourhood is close by. Santa Maria Maggiore feels steeped in the "real" Rome – despite technically being a part of the Vatican state. The square it stands on - lined with bus stops, cafes and shops - certainly seems a world away from the awe-inspiring St Peter's Square and its imposing basilica, under which Popes are usually buried in centuries-old crypts. And yet the chapels, mosaics and gilded wood of Santa Maria Maggiore remain stunning. Seven other popes are buried here. The basilica also hosts what is said to be a relic of Jesus's crib and an icon of Mary, to whom Pope Francis would pray to asking for protection before a journey. Santa Maria Maggiore's senior priest, the Lithuanian Rolandas Makrickas, gave Italian newspaper Il Messaggero his account of how the Pope's decision to be laid to rest there came about. He said: "In May 2022… I asked him if he wasn't by any chance thinking about being buried in [the basilica], given how often he came." Francis smiled and said that Popes are buried in St Peter's - "and that was that", Makrickas thought. The priest continued: "A week later he called me and said, 'the Virgin Mary has told me to prepare my tomb'. "Then he simply told me, 'find a place for it, because I want to be buried in this basilica and you've been a bit of a prophet'." The place Mackrickas found is next to the icon of Mary that the Pope so loved. It is now cordoned off and obscured by plywood. A security guard who wished to remain anonymous told BBC News stories of Pope Francis visiting the church on many occasions. "Yes, we used to see him all the time when he came here," he said, interrupting himself to sternly invite tourists to put their phones away or cover their shoulders. "After a few times of seeing him, one time he looked at me and asked me, 'why are you always here?' "And I said, 'Holy Father, I'm working just as you are'." As the security guard spoke, people continued to stream in from the blazing sunshine into the quiet shade of the basilica. Several queued outside wooden booths, each topped with a sign indicating in which languages the priests inside could hear confessions. Every few minutes, the chatter would be momentarily quietened by a voice hissing over the loudspeaker: "Silenzio." Outside, a woman called Pat from Manchester was squinting at the sun and gathering her thoughts. "I came here because this is where the Pope used to come before any journey," she told the BBC, raising her voice over the sound of the midday bells tolling. "That's why I've always wanted to come and it hasn't disappointed." After a pause, she said: "Beautiful isn't the word. It's just vast, it's enormous." Apologising for not being able to put her emotions into words, she said she was "particularly impressed" that many of the six chapels hold different masses at different times, "so if you're late for one, you can go into another". Pat heard the news about the Pope's death when her plane from the UK landed in Rome on Monday morning. It did not scupper her visit. As a devout Catholic, she said Santa Maria Maggiore "was always the place I wanted to come" because Francis loved it so. "I came without any sort of preconceived idea and I made a point of not reading up about it, I just wanted to take the atmosphere in, and feel it." "And I did," she said, looking up at the basilica. "I am full of the spirit." On Saturday afternoon, after the world has had a chance to bid farewell to him, Pope Francis will make his final journey from the Vatican to Santa Maria Maggiore, as he did so often in life. The church will be shut for a few hours, then the stream of visitors will resume. Some, like Pat, will continue to come to the basilica and try to put something intangible into words. Others will simply admire the mosaics. And on the left hand side, by an icon of the Virgin Mary, Santa Maria Maggiore's newest resident will begin his rest.
The church Pope Francis kept returning to - and chose as his final resting place
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Pope Francis to be Buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, His Beloved Church in Rome"
Bbc News
6.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Pope Francis, throughout his papacy, demonstrated a profound devotion to the Virgin Mary, visiting Santa Maria Maggiore every time he returned to Rome from his travels. This church, built in the 4th Century and recognized as one of Rome's four major basilicas, holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the first dedicated to Mary. Nestled in the bustling Esquilino neighborhood, not far from iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Santa Maria Maggiore is a site that captures the essence of 'real' Rome, contrasting with the grandeur of St. Peter's Square, where most popes are traditionally interred. The basilica is adorned with stunning chapels, mosaics, and gilded wood, and is home to relics that include a piece said to be from Jesus's crib and an icon of Mary that Francis cherished deeply. On Saturday, this beloved church will become the final resting place for Pope Francis, reflecting his deep connection to this sacred site.
The decision for Pope Francis to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore was revealed by its senior priest, Rolandas Makrickas, who recounted a conversation with the Pope in May 2022. Initially, Francis acknowledged that popes are typically buried in St. Peter's Basilica, but later expressed a desire to be interred in Santa Maria Maggiore after feeling a divine prompting from the Virgin Mary. The chosen burial site is near the icon of Mary that he often prayed to before his journeys. As the church prepares for the Pope's final journey, it remains a place of pilgrimage for many, including devout visitors who admire its beauty and significance. People like Pat from Manchester, who visited the basilica to honor the Pope's memory, expressed their emotional connection to the site, underscoring its importance in the Catholic faith and the community's collective mourning. As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, the church will continue to welcome visitors, allowing them to reflect on his legacy and the profound impact he had during his papacy.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an insightful look into Pope Francis's connection with Santa Maria Maggiore, highlighting his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and the significance of the basilica as his final resting place. This narrative not only underscores the Pope's personal faith but also touches on the broader cultural and historical context of the church within Rome.
Cultural Significance of Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore, as one of the four major basilicas in Rome, holds immense historical and religious importance. Its dedication to the Virgin Mary and the presence of relics associated with Jesus are essential aspects that resonate with the Catholic community. The choice of this church as the Pope's burial site can be seen as a symbolic return to his roots and a reaffirmation of his devotion. This narrative aims to evoke a sense of reverence and connection among readers, particularly within the Catholic community.
Public Perception and Emotional Resonance
The article seeks to foster an emotional connection with the audience by portraying the Pope's humble choice of burial place. By emphasizing his frequent visits to the basilica and the personal anecdote shared by the senior priest, the report aims to humanize Pope Francis, making him relatable and beloved. The mention of his devotion to the Virgin Mary adds a layer of warmth and personal touch that many readers may find comforting and inspiring.
Potential Omissions and Underlying Messages
While the article focuses on the Pope's choice of burial site and his devotion, it could be interpreted as glossing over the complexities and challenges faced by the Catholic Church during his papacy. The article does not delve into controversies or criticisms that Pope Francis has encountered. This selective storytelling may lead to an incomplete understanding of his legacy, raising questions about what narratives are prioritized in the media.
Trustworthiness and Manipulation Assessment
The news appears reliable, as it is grounded in specific details and personal accounts. However, it does carry a potential for manipulation by focusing solely on the positive aspects of Pope Francis's connection to the basilica while omitting any critical examination of his tenure. The use of emotional language and personal anecdotes can sway public perception, creating a narrative that is favorable to the Pope but may lack a comprehensive view of his papacy.
Community Engagement and Target Audience
This article is likely to resonate more with religious communities, particularly Catholics who admire Pope Francis for his humility and devotion. It appeals to those who value tradition and the historical significance of religious sites. The narrative reinforces existing loyalties and sentiments within these groups, potentially solidifying their support for the Pope.
Impact on Broader Context
In terms of broader implications, this article may not significantly influence economic or political landscapes directly. However, it could reinforce the Catholic Church's moral authority and cultural significance, especially in a time of increasing secularism. The portrayal of Pope Francis's humility may inspire other leaders and communities to embrace similar values.
Use of AI in Content Creation
It is plausible that AI tools were utilized in drafting or editing this article to ensure clarity and coherence. Such models could have influenced the narrative structure and the choice of language, streamlining the message to resonate more effectively with readers. The AI's role may have been to highlight emotional connections while minimizing potential contentious issues.
In conclusion, while the article presents a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis and his final resting place, it selectively emphasizes positive aspects of his papacy, potentially overlooking more complex narratives. This focus could manipulate public perception, reinforcing favorable views while sidelining critical discussions.