The brief service was led by the cleric in charge of the basilica, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, along with eight other cardinals.
As the coffin was taken to its final place of rest they sang the Catholic Church’s traditional litany of saints. On this occasion, though, the name “Beate Ioanna Paule” was recited three times at its conclusion. The casket was then incensed as a white marble tombstone with the inscription “Beatus Ioannes Paulus PP. II” was placed in front of it.
Fr. McGinlay is in Rome with his brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Margaret. I accompanied them as they paused before the new tomb for their first look.
“It’s actually very plain, very simple and that is exactly what the man would have liked. It wasn’t a splendorous thing. Yes, it’s very plain. It’s also very moving, of course, just being here.” Margaret agreed, “Yes, very simple, lovely, and really nice.”
“The new tomb is really just a reflection of the life that he led,” added Fr. McGinley, “It was a life of humility, a life of prayer and of simplicity. As well as well being a great witness and a great prophet for the Church.”
All day the altar of St. Sebastian has been the focal point of attention within the basilica. It sits just to the left of Michelangelo’s famous “Pieta” sculpture and just to the right of the Blessed Sacrament chapel.