The tomb of Pope Francis was opened for public visitation at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, drawing many Catholic faithful who paid their respects following his funeral. A day after the funeral, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a close associate of the late pope and a possible successor, delivered a homily emphasizing God's mercy, a key tenet of Pope Francis' teachings. The funeral and subsequent Mass at St. Peter's Square attracted around 200,000 attendees, including world leaders and young people originally visiting for a religious event. Pope Francis chose to be buried in a location reflecting his humble lifestyle, and a conclave to elect the new pope is expected to begin shortly. Meanwhile, cardinals gathered in Rome for the funeral will be meeting to discuss the future direction of the Catholic Church, with Parolin being a prominent figure in these discussions.

Pope Francis' tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica was opened to visitors, with many showing reverence by making the sign of the cross or taking photos, as ushers managed the large crowd waiting to pay their respects.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, seen as a potential successor to Pope Francis, delivered a homily focusing on the theme of mercy, a principle that was central to Pope Francis' papacy and teachings.

The late pope's funeral and a special Mass in St. Peter's Square drew approximately 200,000 attendees, including world leaders and numerous youths who had come to Rome for a religious celebration.

Pope Francis chose St. Mary Major Basilica for his burial place, near an icon of the Madonna, symbolizing his humble and simple lifestyle, as highlighted by the archbishop overseeing the basilica.

The conclave to elect the next pope is anticipated to start between May 5 and May 10, with cardinals who attended the funeral now engaging in discussions about the future path of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.

Cardinal Parolin's homily underscored the healing power of mercy, urging the faithful to embrace Pope Francis' legacy and incorporate the value of mercy into their lives.

Amidst the mourning and preparations for the conclave, former President Joe Biden met with Cardinal Parolin, reflecting ongoing diplomatic and personal interactions surrounding the late pope's passing.