Pope Francis has been laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. The late pontiff’s entombment was a private event which allowed those close to him to pay their last respects. This was after a funeral Mass at the Vatican.

Francis has broken with recent papal tradition by choosing to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore instead of St Peter’s Basilica. His decision is steeped in personal piety, history and Jesuit values.

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.