VATICAN CITY (AP) — Roman Catholic faithful began visiting the tomb of Pope Francis on Sunday, filing past the simple white tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica a day after he was bade farewell by the powerful of the world and a crowd of hundreds of thousands.

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.

On Sunday, the Vatican released images showing the tomb of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, also known as Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome. After the cardinals paid their respects, the basilica was opened to the public, where thousands lined up to view the resting place of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.

Travellers to Rome should expect closures, visitor restrictions and crowds at some of the city’s main attractions. View on euronews

Hundreds of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, a day after Pope Francis' funeral, for another ceremony to honour him on the second of nine official days of mourning for the global Catholic Church.