The Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, which Pope Francis chose as his final resting place, is a fifth-century church located in the centre of Rome that already holds the tombs of seven popes.

The ceiling is covered in gilded wood, and light pours in through high-up windows to illuminate intricate mosaics that line the nave ... Rome was built, Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four ...

The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore remains close to its origins. The central nave is lined by 40 Ionic columns and contains exquisite mosaics. One legend ties the basilica to the Virgin Mary ...

"I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel ... to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided ...

9. The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore remains close to its origins. The central nave is lined by 40 Ionic columns and contains exquisite mosaics. 10. The Santa Maria Maggiore also holds pieces ...

In the player above: Pope Francis has been interred at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome ... illuminate intricate mosaics that line the nave. Mourners and visitors have flocked here ...

The central nave of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. (Photo Beto / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images) In the triumphal arch before the altar, scenes depicting Christ’s childhood affirm his divinity ...

The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore remains close to its origins. The central nave is lined by 40 Ionic columns and contains exquisite mosaics. The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore One legend ...

The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore remains close to its origins. The central nave is lined by 40 Ionic columns and contains exquisite mosaics. One legend ties the basilica to the Virgin Mary ...