Thousands of people filed past the tomb of Pope Francis from early on Sunday morning, packing the Roman basilica where he had chosen to be buried, marking a break from tradition.

No pope had been laid to rest outside the Vatican in over a century, but Francis opted for burial in Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), located in the Italian capital’s most multicultural neighbourhood.

His coffin was taken to the basilica on Saturday after his funeral Mass in St. Peter's Square, with around 150,000 people lining the route through the heart of the city to say their farewells.

The casket was placed in a simple marble tomb in a side aisle of the basilica. Only his name in Latin, "Franciscus", is inscribed on top, while a reproduction of the plain cross that he used to wear around his neck hangs above the niche.

"I feel like it's exactly in the way of the Pope. He was simple, and so is his place now," said Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska after paying her respects.

Visitors began queuing well before the Basilica opened at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT), and the church rapidly filled with well-wishers once the doors opened. Authorities urged people to leave as soon as they had seen the tomb, as thousands more were waiting outside to get in.

The church, founded in 432, is the only basilica in Rome that preserves the early Christian structure, although many later additions have been made. Francis was especially attached to the church because of his devotion to Mary, Mother of God. He prayed there before and after every overseas trip.

A venerated Byzantine icon of Mary is housed in the Pauline chapel near the tomb. A vase of golden roses, donated by Francis in 2023, sits among candlesticks under the icon. He last visited the chapel carrying a bunch of white roses on April 12.

A single white rose was placed on his tomb.

"So much intensity. He was a person close to everyone, so we respect him for what he did, each in our own way. Thank you," said Rome resident Carmelo Lamurra.