ROME: In an unusual move, Pope Francis elected to be buried in a Roman basilica, and tens of thousands of pilgrims poured past his tomb on Sunday.
Francis chose to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), which is situated in the most cosmopolitan area of the Italian capital. This was the first time a pope had been buried outside the Vatican in almost a century.
Following his burial Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, his casket was carried there, with around 150,000 people lined the journey through the center of the city to bid their respects.
