What the single white rose on Pope Francis' tomb means

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church was laid to rest in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, Italy on April 26th, 2025. Thousands of visitors flocked to the basilica to visit the late Pope's tomb and offer their prayers.
The first images of the tomb have also been released online. Pope Francis' tomb consists of his name in Latin, 'Franciscus' engraved on it and a pectoral cross on the wall above. The tomb has been adorned with a single white rose, as seen in the photos.
People all over the world have been wondering about the single rose and if it has a symbolic meaning.


The single white rose on the tomb of Pope Francis is symbolic of his bond with St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In many interviews, he had mentioned that he had a special affection for her and would ask her to send him roses.
The Holy See's official media outlet reported that a few days after his discharge from the hospital, Pope Francis received a white rose from Lisieux. "He kept it on a nightstand next to his bed," it read.
It is a tradition that St. Thérèse shows her favour with roses. The belief is rooted in a promise claimed by the saint who died at the young age of 24 in 1897. “I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens; I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth.”
Many believe that actual roses arrive in response to their prayers to the saint. In fact, in a 2015 interview with some journalists, Pope Francis himself attested to the faith. "I have the habit, when I do not know how things are going, of asking St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus that if she takes care of some problem, anything at all, to send me a rose. At times she does, but in odd ways. In the same way, I asked her watch over this journey and to send me a rose."
Pope Francis considered the saint to be a faithful friend and an exemplary leader. Thus, the white flower on his tomb is symbolic of his devotion and love towards the saint.