Long lines as Pope Francis' humble final resting place opens to the public

Catholic worshippers on Sunday lined up in crowds outside the Basilica of St.
Catholic worshippers on Sunday lined up in crowds outside the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday, to pay their respects to the late pontiff at his tomb.
Francis’ tomb, made of white marble from Liguria, the Italian region where his mother’s family is from, was engraved only with his Latin name, “Franciscus.”
Mourners line up outside Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, or St. Mary Major, on Sunday.Antonio Masiello / Getty ImagesPeople take photos of Pope Francis’ tomb.Antonio Masiello / Getty ImagesA single white rose was placed on the stone slab under a crucifix, an enlarged replica of Francis’ pectoral cross, and illuminated by a spotlight.
The tomb is placed in a niche next to the chapel in the basilica that Francis visited more than a hundred times to pray to the icon of the Virgin Mary, for whom he had a long-held affinity during his 12-year papacy.
The place of remembrance for the late pope, who died at age 88 on Monday, also symbolizes his final wish for simplicity.
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