Pope Francis has been laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major after a final journey through the streets of Rome. His funeral Mass was held earlier in St. Peter’s Square, attended by around 400,000 people.

After the Mass, the pope’s simple wooden coffin was carried out of the Vatican at 12:30 p.m. local time. It traveled across Rome in a popemobile-style truck, greeted by a small but emotional crowd who waved and called out, “Goodbye, Pope Francis,” and “Good journey, Francis.”

The route passed several famous landmarks, including the Monument to Victory Emmanuel II, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum, before arriving at Via Merulana, leading to St. Mary Major Basilica. An estimated 150,000 people lined the streets to pay their final respects.

A group of cardinals, bishops, priests, and Vatican officials led the way into the basilica, stopping by the side chapel where Pope Francis’ favorite image of Mary, “Salus Populi Romani,” is kept.

Following his wish, Pope Francis was buried inside St. Mary Major Basilica. He joins seven other popes already resting there, in a church with a history dating back to the fifth century.

The private burial ceremony included prayers asking for God’s mercy on Pope Francis, and forgiveness of his sins. The Our Father was sung in Latin, and after the final prayers, Cardinal Kevin Farrell sprinkled the coffin with holy water. The Marian hymn “Regina Caeli” was sung as the pope’s coffin was placed in the tomb.

A few cardinals, Vatican officials, the pope’s personal secretaries, and some family members were present for the intimate ceremony.

April 26 marks the start of the Catholic Church’s nine-day mourning period, known as “novendiales.” During this time, cardinals will celebrate daily Masses for Pope Francis’ soul. Beginning Monday, the College of Cardinals will meet to discuss the Church’s future and prepare for the conclave to elect the next pope, expected in the first week of May.