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.

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.