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Contained in the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, individuals are queuing to take selfies in front of an bizarre plywood panel.
As certainly one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches in Italy’s capital, the basilica features stunning Fifth-century mosaics, a gilded ceiling and Baroque-era additions.
Considering this, it almost feels embarrassing – at a look – that pilgrims, tourists and even Italians are taking note of this oddly placed picket slab as a substitute of the historic relics surrounding.
Word has spread: that is where Pope Francis’ body shall be interred.
Yes, it might appear to be a constructing site in the intervening time – only missing an indication that reads ‘Under Construction’ – but it’ll soon be a sacred place for Catholics.
There are lower than 48 hours to the pontiff’s funeral when Metro visited the Basilica of St Mary Major, situated on the opposite side of Rome’s Tiber River near Termini Rail Station.
People from all corners of the world patiently wait in line to photograph the spot.
Some kneel, others pose with a smile stretching across their face, unsure of the tone.
Jose, a Mozambique-born priest now living in Canada, was amongst those stationed near the plywood. Unlike most, he quietly observed and prayed.
Joined by a bunch of pilgrims, he arrived in Rome on Monday as a part of a scheduled trip for the Jubilee Yr.
The death of Francis modified all the things for him, leaving him in a state of shock.
Jose told Metro: ‘I feel sad since it is an enormous loss for not only for Catholics but for the world.
‘Francis was a pope of hope – his message was to bring the hope particle for many who were in need, for ladies and for people that suffer violence and war.
‘We put our hope in his hands because he was speaking in a language that we hoped to listen to.’
For Jose, it is sort of a blessing to be in Rome on the time of the pontiff’s death.
He says that the 2 ‘have kept missing one another’ over time – once in his homeland Mozambique in September 2019 after which in Canada in July 2022.
The priest had planned to attend Wednesday’s audience with pilgrims in St Peter’s Square to finally meet the Catholic leader.
‘After missing one another twice, I believed, “finally, I’ll meet him in Rome”, but that was not God’s plan,’ he said.
‘I queued yesterday to see him and to say goodbye. I’m so thankful for his teachings. What I do now as a priest is all inspired by him.’
Following the funeral procession on Saturday, Francis’ coffin shall be taken from St Peter’s Basilica within the Vatican City to the Basilica of St Mary Major.
In his will, he gave easy instructions for his burial: ‘The tomb ought to be in the bottom; easy, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.’
Francis also said that throughout his life, he had at all times entrusted himself to the Virgin Mary.
‘For that reason, I ask that my mortal stays rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – within the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major,’ he wrote.
Currently, the Basilica of St Mary Major is open to members of the general public until the day of the burial.
Get in contact with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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