Manila, April 26 -- Pope Francis's coffin on Saturday arrived at the Rome Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the late pontiff's final resting place.

The coffin was taken from Saint Peter's Basilica to Saint Mary Major in an adapted popemobile, refitted as a hearse to enable mourners to see the coffin as it passed through the streets of the Italian capital.

Thousands of mourners lined up along the route, applauding.

The late pontiff was fond of Saint Mary Major.

He would always go there to pray before and after every apostolic journey he went on and he asked to buried there, not in St Peter's like most other popes, in his testament.

The Vatican has said it will be possible to visit Francis's tomb at St Mary Major from Sunday.

Francis died...