Pope Francis's coffin on Saturday
arrived at the Rome Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the late
pontiff's final resting place.
The coffin was taken from Saint Peter's Basilica to Saint Mary
Major in an adapted popemobile, refitted as a hearse to enable
mourners to see the coffin as it passed through the streets of
the Italian capital.
Thousands of mourners lined up along the route, applauding.
The late pontiff was fond of Saint Mary Major.
He would always go there to pray before and after every
apostolic journey he went on and he asked to buried there, not
in St Peter's like most other popes, in his testament.
The Vatican has said it will be possible to visit Francis's tomb
at St Mary Major from Sunday.
Francis died on Easter Monday aged 88 after 12 years at the helm
of the Catholic Church.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA