Pope Francis’ funeral live updates: Cardinals guide Pope to St Peter’s Square, funeral mass begins

In keeping with his desire to be a humble man of God, Pope Francis’ tomb is modest but meaningful.

His tomb is made from stone from the north-western Italian region of Liguria, where the pope’s grandparents are from.

It’s understood Pope Francis had planned the particulars of his funeral arrangements, reflected in a simple Latin inscription on his tombstone: “Franciscus”.

Also straying from tradition, the pope will be entombed at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of St Mary Major).

Most of his predecessors are laid to rest in St Peter’s Tomb underneath St Peter’s Basilica, but in a sign of his unwavering devotion to the Virgin Mary, his desire was to be at St Mary Major.

Outside the walls of the Vatican and near the Colosseum, St Mary Major was a favourite of the late pontiff.

Clare Johnson, Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology at the Australian Catholic University, said the pope often prayed there.

“He was known to go and pray in front of a favoured image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he had great devotion,” she said.

A rosary will be held in front of St Mary Major on Saturday night local time.

People can start visiting the Pope’s tomb on Sunday morning.