Pope Francis laid to rest after historic funeral | Eyewitness News updates

Pope Francis chose his place of burial in St. Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of the Madonna that he revered, because it reflects his "humble, simple and essential'' life, the archbishop who administers the basilica said Friday.

Francis, who died Monday at age 88, will be buried in a niche tomb in the basilica on Saturday after his funeral in St. Peter's Square about 4 kilometers (2 miles) away.

Francis initially demurred when Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas suggested in May 2022 that he choose St. Mary Major as his last resting place. Makrickas had identified it because of the pontiff's long association with the basilica, its ties to Francis' Jesuit order, its artistic and spiritual heritage and links to the papacy. Seven other popes are buried there, but none since 1669.

At first, "he said no because popes are buried in St. Peter's," Makrickas told reporters on the steps of the basilica. "After a week, he called me to (his home at the Vatican) Santa Marta and he said 'Prepare my tomb.'"

The pope later insisted that his tomb remain simple, stressing that people should still come to the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary "to venerate the Madonna, not to see the tomb of a pope," Makrickas said.

Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, died on Monday morning at the age of 88.

Francis' life and time as pope, which was noted for humility and outreach efforts to people of disparate backgrounds and faiths, will be remembered during a funeral service taking place on Saturday, the Vatican said.

Click here for what to know about Francis' funeral and how to tune in.

Final preparations are underway ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis.

Security is heightened across Rome, and more than 50 world leaders are expected to attend.

President Donald Trump will head to Rome later Friday morning.

The public viewing continued.

Thousands more people are expected to walk past the pope's body at Saint Peter's Basilica on Friday before his coffin is closed.

Eyewitness News Anchor Mike Marza reports from Vatican City:

Mike Marza reports from Vatican City.

About four miles away from Vatican City where the pope lies in state, Timothy Cardinal Dolan celebrated mass for pilgrims of New York.

Soon he will help elect a new pope, just like he picked Francis 12 years ago.

He explains to Mike Marza what he is looking for in the next pope:

Mike Marza reports from Vatican City and spoke to Cardinal Dolan.

Mike Marza reports from Vatican City.