Pope Francis's tomb seen for first time in images released by Vatican
New images of the Pope's tomb have been released after the world reacted quickly to the news of the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on Easter Monday.
Within hours of hearing of his passing, mourners flocked to churches to pay their respects to the leader.
The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his successor begins.
They involve the certification of death and public display of his body for the faithful to pay their respects, followed by the funeral and burial.
See all the photos here.
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.
A single white rose was placed on the tomb that said "Franciscus" — the pope's name in Latin.
A light cast its warm glow over the tomb and a reproduction of the late pontiff's pectoral cross on the wall above it.
Later in the day, a group of cardinals arrived in buses and entered through the church doors to pay homage to Francis at his tomb, and for an evening vespers service.
The tomb was opened on the second of nine days of official mourning for Francis, after which a conclave will be held to elect the next pope.
Rosario Correale, from Salerno, Italy, said that he experienced "great emotion" at witnessing Francis' final resting place.
"I see all the people are truly moved," Correale said. "He has truly left a mark on us."
People filed past, many crossing themselves or snapping photos with their phones.
Ushers urged them to keep moving to accommodate the thousands who flocked to the Rome basilica to see the tomb, forming a long line outside.
The Vatican has released information about Pope Francis' last moments.
The pope waved to his personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti just before he passed away, Vatican News said.
He then said, "Thank you for bringing me back to the square", in reference to his last public appearance at St Peter's Basilica on Monday.
Those around him in his final moments said the Pope did not suffer, and his death happened quickly.
Crowds have now started to gather in St Peter's Square in the Vatican City ahead of a procession for the Body of Pope Francis, which will be led through Rome later today.
The Vatican also released the booklet for the transfer of his body, which explains there will be an extensive prayer and song service during his procession.
Thousands of people are expected to make the pilgrimage to the Vatican ahead of the late Pope's funeral this weekend.
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