Catholic faithful pay respects to Pope Francis as his tomb opens to the public in Rome basilica

Crowds flock to tomb of Pope Francis, as eyes turn to conclave

Pope Francis's modest tomb drew massive queues on the first day of public viewing in Rome on Sunday, a day after an estimated 400,000 people turned out for his funeral and burial.

Rome has a new pilgrimage site: many people want to see the tomb of Pope Francis. When his successor is elected, it is likely that he will soon be established. Catholics from Germany are already formulating expectations.

Catholic faithful flock to Pope Francis' tomb as eyes turn to conclave

A single white rose was placed on the tomb that said "Franciscus" – the pope's name in Latin – inside the Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Pope Francis’ tomb opens to the public in Rome basilica

Roman Catholic faithful began visiting the tomb of Pope Francis on Sunday, filing past the simple white tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica a day after he was bade farewell by the powerful of the world and a crowd of hundreds of thousands.

Thousands visit Pope Francis tomb in Rome day after funeral

The modest tomb draws huge queues on the first day of public viewing a day after tens of thousands attended his funeral.

Thousands of people flock to see Pope Francis's tomb ahead of the conclave

More than 150,000 people lined the route through Rome to visit Pope Francis's tomb and say farewell.