Pope Leo Visits the Grave of Pope Francis

Pope Leo XIV visited the grave of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on Saturday to pay his respects to the former leader of the Catholic Church. Vatican News published an image of Pope Leo kneeling before the simple marble sarcophagus located in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

In a brief statement, the Vatican press office noted that Pope Leo also prayed in front of an icon of the Virgin Mary within the church, which was a favorite of Pope Francis. The late pope frequently visited this Byzantine-style painting for prayer.

Weeks after Pope Francis's burial, there continues to be long lines of visitors wishing to pay their respects at his grave. Upon exiting after his prayers, Pope Leo was greeted with applause from those present.