Pope Leo Visits the Tomb of Pope Francis

On his way to Castel Gandolfo on November 3, Pope Leo made a special stop at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis and before the revered Marian icon Salus Populi Romani.

At the marble tomb of his predecessor, located between the Sforza Chapel and the Pauline Chapel, the Holy Father placed a bouquet of white roses, a gesture of filial respect and remembrance. The spot, marked by a single white rose that always rests there in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, was especially dear to Pope Francis, who held a deep devotion to the saint throughout his life.

Before departing the basilica, Pope Leo also paused in silent prayer before the ancient image of Salus Populi Romani, the “Protectress of the Roman People.” The icon, enshrined in the Pauline Chapel, was frequently visited by Pope Francis before and after each of his international journeys and hospital stays, a tradition that Pope Leo now continues.

Earlier that day, the Holy Father presided over a Mass of suffrage at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, offering prayers for Pope Francis and for cardinals and bishops who passed away during the past year. In his homily, Pope Leo spoke with “great affection” for his predecessor, recalling that Pope Francis “died after opening the Holy Door and imparting the Easter Blessing to Rome and the whole world.”

“Thanks to the Jubilee,” Pope Leo said, “this celebration, my first, takes on a special meaning: it carries the flavor of Christian hope.” He reflected that this same hope was lived and witnessed by Pope Francis and the many prelates whose lives of faith continue to inspire the Church.

According to Vatican News, this was not the first time Pope Leo visited his predecessor’s resting place. Just two days after his election on May 10, he prayed at Pope Francis’ tomb, laying flowers and spending a few moments in silent reflection. He returned again on June 22, following the Corpus Christi procession from St. John Lateran to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, continuing his prayerful closeness to his predecessor.

Through these gestures of devotion, Pope Leo not only honors the memory of Pope Francis but also renews the Church’s enduring trust in Mary, the Mother of the Church, and in the hope of the resurrection that unites all believers.