Pope Leo XIV prays at the tomb of his predecessor Francis

During a visit to Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Pope Leo XIV paused to pray at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, before departing for the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo for the night. Earlier in the day, the Pope had led a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica dedicated to the memory of the late Pope Francis and deceased cardinals and bishops. The solemn observance marked a moment of reflection and continuity within the Catholic Church.