Pope Francis chose his place of burial in St. Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of the Madonna that he revered, because it reflects his “humble, simple and essential" life.

Crowds of mourners waited in line on Sunday for a chance to visit Pope Francis’ final resting place in the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome, a day after his funeral service that was attended by world leaders and royalty.

Francis opted for burial in Santa Maria Maggiore, located in Rome's most multi-cultural neighbouhood. No pope has been laid to rest outside the Vatican in more than a century.