Images from the beloved pope’s homeland show tearful prayers by crowds in the Argentine capital.

The Vatican said in a statement on Telegram that the private ceremony to lay Pope Francis to rest has concluded at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell presided over the “private burial”, the statement said, adding that the ceremony was “conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Roman Pontifical Funeral Ordo (Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis)”.

“Senior cardinals and members of Pope Francis’ family were present at the ceremony,” the statement added.

The private ceremony to lay Pope Francis to rest has concluded at the Basilica of St Mary in Rome. Photo: Vatican

Previously, Italian media reported that Pope Francis died of a cerebral hemorrhage, possibly a stroke.

According to news agencies La Repubblica and La Stampa , Pope Francis’ departure is said to be unrelated to the respiratory problems and pneumonia he suffered in February this year.

Pope Francis’ doctors say he “passed away peacefully”.

Corriere della Serra revealed that Pope Francis woke up to the alarm clock at 6am on April 21, felt tired at 7am and died of a stroke at around 7:30am the same day.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 at his Saint Martha’s private residence after dedicating his entire life to serving God and the Church.

The College of Cardinals will soon meet in Rome to choose a successor to Pope Francis.

By law, only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote. Of the 252 living cardinals, 138 are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote.

The vote will not take place for at least 15 days, after nine days of official mourning. During this time, a cardinal will serve as interim pope with limited powers.