A First In 100 Yrs, Pope To Be Buried Outside Vatican

Pope Francis to be entombed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. World leaders praise him for his strong defence of social justice and rights of migrants

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The Argentinian pontiff, who died Monday at the age of 88, will be first in more than a century who will not be entombed in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Francis's desire to chart a different path was evident right to the end, with his decision to be buried not in St Peter's Basilica but in Rome's centuries old Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.

Francis was very devoted to the worship of the Virgin Mary and made a point to pray in Santa Maria Maggiore before.

Francis also rejected the tradition of popes having three coffins, choosing instead to be buried in just one.

Meanwhile, mourners gathered, many in tears, in St Peter's Square, where just a day earlier the frail-looking pontiff had greeted worshippers on Easter Sunday, having recently left hospital following a 38-day battle with double pneumonia.

World leaders praised him for having strongly defended social justice and the rights of migrants.

King Charles, who met Francis during a state visit earlier this month, said the pope had "served with such devotion".

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "a great man has left us" in a statement.

Argentina's President Javier Milei pointed to his compatriot's "goodness and wisdom" despite their "differences" of views.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Francis had "inspired millions... with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate".