A solemn rite was conducted for the burial of Pope Francis at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome on Saturday, following a funeral Mass held at St Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.

The Argentinian-born pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, was interred in his beloved Roman church during a 30-minute burial ceremony that commenced at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT).

A photograph, released by the Vatican Media on Saturday, captured the poignant moment the late Pope’s coffin was lowered into its final resting place within the basilica.

Details later…

AFP