ROME — Pope Francis was laid to rest Saturday at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome, marking the first time in over a century that a pope has been buried outside the Vatican.

The Vatican confirmed that the late pontiff’s entombment was a private ceremony, allowing his closest circle to pay their final respects. The burial followed a funeral that brought together world leaders, royalty, and hundreds of thousands of mourners.

Italian authorities estimated that around 400,000 people gathered in and around Vatican City for the funeral, with tens of thousands more lining Rome’s streets to watch the cortege carrying Pope Francis’ coffin to his final resting place.

World leaders including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron were present at the ceremony. Notably, Trump and Zelenskyy held a symbolic private meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral, which Zelenskyy described as having the "potential to become historic."

The funeral Mass emphasized Pope Francis' lifelong commitment to peace, as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re reflected on the Pope's enduring message: “Build bridges, not walls.”

Following the funeral, world leaders continued diplomatic discussions in Rome. Zelenskyy held further meetings with Macron and Starmer, while Trump departed for the United States.

The funeral also marked the beginning of the traditional nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales, during which daily Masses will be held in memory of Pope Francis. Attention will soon turn to the Vatican conclave to elect the next pope, expected to convene after May 6.

People from around the world, including large contingents from Africa and Latin America, gathered outside Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, waving flags and celebrating Pope Francis' legacy. — Agencies